sailboat on a collision course with a fishing boat

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• Safety & Seamanship
• Boathandling

Collision Avoidance Confusion

The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) cover the rules of navigation and lights and shapes that sailors need in order to avoid collision. However, this is a long document and you’ve got to read the whole thing and all the annexes, and then read the Coast Guard’s interpretation of these rules to truly understand what is expected of a sailor. Based on a number of questions from readers and our own observations, the editors at Practical Sailor recognized that as technology and watercraft have evolved, a few navigation rules pertaining to recreational boats could use further clarification. There are situations that the COLREGs do not describe well, and some rules that are so commonly misunderstood that they bear repeating. For the purposes of this article, rules cited are from the United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules International-Inland (publication COMDTINST M16672.2D). The rules referenced here are the international rules, and inland sailors should familiarize themselves with any inland variations, of which there are several.

THE FUNDAMENTALS

In this report we’ll look at how we can resolve common right-of-way issues, particularly when more than one rule in the COLREGs apply. The main challenge in any right-of-way situation is determining which vessel is the privileged (stand-on) vessel, and which vessel is the burdened (give-way) vessel and therefore required to take any needed action. We’ll focus here on the rules that seem to create the most confusion.

Rule 2 | Responsibility. You are always responsible to do everything practical to minimize risk, especially to avoid a collision. It is never 100-percent the other guy’s fault.

Rule 5 | Look-out. You must maintain a look-out using multiple means, and you must apprise the risk of collision of all vessels as they become known to you. Nothing should be a surprise; you should always have the option to take action as early as possible.

Rule 6 | Safe Speed. Consider the conditions, including visibility, traffic, maneuverability, weather, and water depth. You must always have time and space to perform any necessary actions.

Rule 9 | Narrow Channels. This rule takes precedence over crossing rules and the vessel hierarchy described in Rule 18 (sail vs. power vs. fishing boat, etc.). Smaller vessels (sailboats too) should keep to the outside of ship channels and keep as far as practical to starboard.

Rule 13 | Overtaking. The passing vessel must give way to everything–unless it is a vessel that is not under command (NUC), which by definition is unable to maneuver. Overtaking includes crossing 22.5 degrees aft of the beam, not just from dead astern. Note that sailboat racing rules are a little different, but the COLREGs apply to all meetings between boats not engaged in a race.

Rule 14 | Head-on. When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal courses or nearly reciprocal courses, each shall alter course to starboard so they pass on the port side of each other. This is easier in the daylight, obviously, but at night familiarity with navigation lights takes on obvious importance.

Rule 15 | Crossing. In crossing situations under power, the vessel to starboard has right of way.

Rule 18 | Responsibilities Between Vessels. Only after the requirements of Rules 9 and 13 are satisfied do you consider the hierarchy of a burdened vessel as described above (not under command or NUC, restricted in her ability to maneuver or RAM, then fishing, sail, power, seaplane). Key point: A sailing vessel equipped with an auxiliary engine that is under power has the same burden of responsibility as a powerboat. The term “power-driven vessel” means any vessel powered by machinery. That includes a sailboat with sails hoisted with the engine running.

Rule 20 | Displaying shapes and lights. You must display the day shape or lights appropriate to your status (sail, power, engaged in fishing, restricted ability to maneuver, etc.) and you only have the status you display. However, Rule 2 and Rule 5 say you are responsible for observing the world around you. If a lobster boat appears to be hauling traps, we should treat it as if it were engaged in fishing.

There is a temptation to always give way, but the COLREGs are not about politeness. The rules are meant to promote maneuvering in a predictable manner. If we all give way, the “sidewalk shuffle” results at every meeting, which can be quite dangerous in close quarters. There is nothing wrong with giving way when you can make this obvious very early, but this “politeness” is no substitute for knowing what is expected of you.

Blasts on the air horn are for close range communication, not expressing your annoyance. Unfortunately, most boaters don’t know the standard signals. The two most essential signals to commit to memory are collision risk (five short blasts) and a warning signal when there is limited visibility around an obstruction (one prolonged blast).

The horn can also be useful for alerting an inattentive watch. Most commonly, I have used the horn to wake someone up when I feel sure they don’t see me (a boat with a deck-sweeping genoa, for example) or are not paying attention (a boat steering erratically). Making way near a blind exit at a marina or near buildings that block visibility ahead are other common situations that call for a warning signal.

VHF is acceptable for communicating with commercial shipping, but is not a substitute for following COLREGs and is not always useful for avoiding collisions. Language barriers are a common problem, the bridge crew can be task-saturated, and other ships in the area may not follow the conversation or agree. Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) have made it easier to identify and contact unknown vessels, but a call on VHF 13 (used for commercial ship-to-ship maneuvering) or VHF 16 is still the most common means of hailing another ship in your vicinity.

Rule to Remember, #34: When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-driven vessel under way, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these rules, shall indicate that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle: one short blast to mean “I am altering course to starboard;” two short blasts to mean “I am altering my course to port;” three short blasts to mean “I am operating astern propulsion.”

WATCHKEEPING

Every close call I have ever had with another boat related to their failure to watch where they were going. On one memorable occasion we were both reaching with the chute up, with a closing speed of better than 20 knots. I indicated to my partner that although we were privileged in relation to the 60-foot yacht whose path we were crossing, there was clearly no one on deck or on watch. We blew the horn, jibed away, and only after we completed our turn did a startled-looking head appear from below. They were on autopilot with no watch.

Watchkeeping means keeping your eyes out of the cockpit. The instruments and chart plotter call for your attention, but keeping a visual lookout is primary, even with radar, even at night. The lookout requirement does not go away when you are drifting or anchored, and expires only when the boat is tied to a dock.

Rule to Remember, #5: Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by looking and listening as well as by all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.

KAYAKS AND ROW BOATS

In summer I find myself surrounded by a flock of people in rental kayaks who have no awareness of navigation rules. They believe the harbor is a park, and they don’t understand the traffic patterns or the maneuvering requirements of the boats that come and go.

The COLREGs are mute on the subject of human-powered craft (other than lighting requirements), but the Coast Guard addresses this on the Frequently Asked Questions subsection of its Navigation Center website:

Although a vessel under oars may be lit as a sailing vessel, one should not infer that they are considered to be a sailing vessel for other Rules (i.e. Rule 9, 10, 12, 18 or 35). Ultimately, the issue of whether a vessel under oars is the give-way or stand-on vessel would depend upon what would be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of that situation (Rule 2) and the notion that they are less able to maneuver than most other vessels.

The “ordinary practice of seaman” can be taken to mean common sense. But common sense always requires both knowledge and reflection. Some kayakers know the rules and respect the maneuvering needs of yachts. Some don’t. It is your job to avoid the latter folk regardless of whether they are abiding by the COLREGs.

Certain inland waters may have different rules for human-powered craft. The state of Minnesota and the city of Oceanside, CA, for instance, have local regulations that take opposing stances regarding the right of way of small craft.

HIGH SPEEDS AND ERRATIC COURSES

When something dumb is happening in front of you while driving on the interstate, you lift your foot off the gas to slow a little, while considering other options—including changing lanes. Most discussions in the COLREGs focus primarily on making course changes, but it also addresses safe speed. Speed control applies to sailing vessels as well, since you can ease sails in a second or furl a jib in a minute. Beating or reaching you can simply luff. Downwind you can steer dead downwind and stall the sails. Of course, these later actions could also be misinterpreted as course changes and lead to others to question your intentions. In short, consider all your options—including changing speed. Always try to make your intentions clear.

Keeping the boat oriented in the same direction (holding or keeping station) can be difficult when going slow. This is simple with twin screws or an outboard. In either case, it is useful to turn either bow or stern towards the wind or tide. Backing into the wind or current is often an effective way to hold station. For powered sailing monohulls, backing into the wind and prop walk are your friends. Consider this a skill set worth acquiring for close maneuvering in marinas.

Fast vessels often weave, making it impossible for the slower vessel to predict their course and decide to either give way or stand on. For example, in a typical situation, a kayaker in open water might be moving two or three times slower than the sailing yacht. The sailing yacht, if following the wind, is constantly changing course, so the kayaker might be unsure of the yacht’s true course. The practical solution is for the sailboat to give way to the kayak. However, don’t expect a fast-moving powerboat to give a sailboat the same consideration. In general, fast-moving powerboats are a hazard to be avoided when practical, regardless of what the rules say. Because the situation is unpredictable, any course changes should be made as early as practical and be obvious; things happen too fast at the last moment.

If a vessel is weaving, is it on a defined course? To apply the Rules, you must first know what the other vessel is doing, and if that is unclear, it’s a situation of special circumstances (Rule 2). This can include water-skiers, wind surfer, kiteboarders, personal watercraft, and all inattentive operators. If you are the water-skier or wind surfer, your variable course makes you give-way in virtually all circumstances, and that applies to your interactions with other people when you are tacking randomly across the bay. The rules have little tolerance for the boater who behaves erratically.

However, don’t dismiss a vessel’s course as erratic too quickly. The turn may be part of a maneuver to avoid a collision. When tacking, or hoisting or dousing sail, your course may appear erratic, so you must keep clear of all other vessels during these situations and not create a conflict by your actions.

It is common to approach a channel at an angle, and it’s often not clear to others whether you intend to cross or to turn into the channel. In a narrow channel, the boat in the channel is the stand-on vessel (Rule 9), but the moment it exits the channel, it can become the give-way vessel in a crossing situation. If you maintain course toward the vessel that has suddenly changed status upon leaving the channel, you risk confusing the other skipper (see “Potential Collision at Ship Channel Entrances”).

The takeaway is that places where a channel ends or begins are tricky because the applicable rule changes quickly and intentions of boats are not always clear. Adjust speed to avoid potential crossing situations that do not yet exist but may develop quickly.

Rule to Remember, #8(e): If necessary to avoid collision or allow more time to assess the situation, a vessel shall slacken her speed or take all way off by stopping or reversing her means of propulsion.

SPECIAL SITUATIONS

The overtaking vessel is never the stand-on vessel, not for sail, not for a boat that is restricted in its ability to maneuver, not for any vessel, except one that is not under command (which, by definition, has no control). Remember, if you cross another vessel more than 22.5 degrees aft of the beam, you are overtaking. Thus, passing in a narrow channel is generally bad and it is 100 percent your responsibility to keep clear, no matter how slow the boat in front of you is moving.

I’ve seen this one misinterpreted by hot shots who like to sail into their slips, claiming that they are under sail, and this gives them “rights.” Nope, not in narrow channels or when overtaking.

The Rules contain some common-sense requirement for smaller boats to keep clear when operating in large ship channels.

Rules to Remember: #9(b), #13, #18(d)(i): #9(b) a vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

13: Overtaking. (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules of Part B, Sections I and II, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken.

18(d)(i): Any vessel other than a vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver shall, if the circumstances of the case permit, avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft, exhibiting the signals in Rule 28.

THE ISSUE OF RAM

In general, this applies to ships that are limited in maneuverability by the work they are doing, such as laying cable or dredging, but can it also apply to fishing boats, or even a sailboat that is using a drogue or sea anchor in extreme weather? We have been advised it can. During my drogue testing (see “ Using a Jordan Series Drogue for Steering ,” PS August 2017), I began to wonder who would have right of way in such a situation. My boat was restricted in its ability to maneuver, or RAM; did this make me privileged over other vessels?

When you are dragging a drogue you are not claiming you have no ability to maneuver, only that this ability is restricted. In a severe storm, it may be a life-or-death decision to cut the drogue loose, and you may still not be able to maneuver with any accuracy.

The critical factor is that you must declare your RAM or NUC status with appropriate lights or day shapes. Unlike other status that may be visually obvious—sailing vessel or commercial fishing, for example—RAM and NUC conditions are generally not obvious and must be communicated. You are only RAM or NUC if you signal surrounding vessels that you are (see “ RAM Lights for Sailboats ,” PS June 2022.) The USCG has this to say about determining RAM: The determination of whether a vessel is restricted in their ability to maneuver is at the master’s discretion. Should a master consider their vessel restricted in their ability to maneuver, the vessel shall exhibit the lights or shapes as such (Rule 27) in accordance with the technical specifications (Annex I).

Rule to Remember #39 (f): (f) The term “vessel not under command” means a vessel which, through some exceptional circumstance, is unable to maneuver as required by these Rules. She is therefore (g) restricted in her ability to maneuver, which means a vessel, from the nature of her work, is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel.

DISTRESS SIGNALS

The various lights and shapes to indicate distress are clear (Rule 37), but two deserve some special mention in this age of electronic flares and signaling devices.

Flashing lights. In the US inland Rules (not international) a bright flashing light of 50–70 flashes per minute is considered a distress signal.

Electronic flares. (See “ Distress Flares Go Electric ,” PS June 2021). Approved as electronic visual distress signaling devices (eVDSD) in 2015, electronic “flares” signal SOS (… — …) according to one of two patterns. Whether you chose to use these to replace traditional pyrotechnic flares, or to add these to your signaling tool kit is up to you. Either way, you should learn to recognize the flashing pattern.

Unlike driving a car, where blame is often settled on one party, boating collisions virtually always result in shared responsibility. You could have done something differently. You could have turned earlier, in a different direction or simply slowed down. You could have signaled.

The COLREGs guide us toward predictable maneuvering between yachts traveling in straight lines, but when faced with awkward crossing, fishing boat that is drifting or trolling multiple lines, or a paddler that may or may not know the rules, you must combine your knowledge of the rules with attentiveness, patience, and courtesy.

USCG NAVIGATION RULES www.navcen.uscg.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/navRules/navrules.pdf

STATUS OF HUMAN POWERED BOATS www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-faqs#0.3_13

FISHING WITH TRAPS w ww.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/CG-CVC/CVC3/publications/Safety_Digest-2008.pdf WORLD

SAILING RULES www.sailing.org/tools/documents/WorldSailingRRS20172020new-%5B24067%5D.pdf

The COLREGs do not deal directly with human powered vessels, and rules for small boats can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Compare the respect for paddle-power in Minnesota, where canoes have a long history, and in Oceanside, CA, where many small craft are banned from the harbor, and those allowed must give way.

Minnesota 6110.1200: A non-motorized watercraft has right-of-way over a motor-powered watercraft except when it is the overtaking watercraft. Motor-powered watercraft should always keep clear and pass astern of non-motorized watercraft.

Oceanside, CA. Sec. 29A.16.: . . . All human powered vessels authorized in the harbor pursuant to this subdivision (b) shall give way, yield the right of way

1. Adding an outboard changes rights of way rules for dinghies.

2. Fast-moving windsurfers and kiteboarders can present a navigation challenge. Some harbors restrict their use.

3. Kayak, or sailboat? Either way, we’d give this fellow a wide berth.

4. A prudent navigator will try to anticipate erratic steering from a single-handed sport boat, especially one that is flying an asymmetrical sail.

As described in the example below (based on an actual collision), the entrance to marked ship channels can create a potential collision risk when a privileged deep draft vessel exits the channel. Once in deep open water, a deep draft ship loses its privileged status as a vessel constrained by draft. Should another boat be entering at the time of this transition, the question of right of way can be confusing.

Figure 1. The deep-draft outbound yacht Big Red (orange track) is navigating a narrow channel. The inbound boat Little Blue (blue track) will cross the channel. Because the Little Blue is on the starboard side of Big Red (which has just exited the narrow channel) it is stand-on, but Big Red, who was the stand-on boat just seconds before, may not have time to avoid Little Blue.

Despite having right of way in the immediate moment, Little Blue should wait, because it was the give-way vessel when avoidance maneuvers should have been made, well before the actual encounter.

In the trial resulting from the actual incident, the court divided responsibility between the two vessels, ruling that the outbound boat could have slowed when it observed the situation developing. However, the court found the inbound boat was primarily responsible because it should have waited for the outbound vessel to cross.

Most of us see ourselves as cruisers, not racers. For the most part, the racing rules are a logical extension of the COLREGs, but racing is all about passing, so there are differences. In principle, these rules only apply to meetings between sailboats in races (the COLREGs govern in all meetings with a boat not engaged in the same race), but except for Rules 11 and 12, they logically apply to all meetings. These rules can be helpful even to non-racers because they offer further insight into the COLREGs and the logic behind them. Sailboats are not always privileged, and your maneuvers can make you the burdened vessel.

Rule 11 | Overlap. When Boats are on the Same Tack and Overlapped , a boat to windward shall keep clear of a leeward boat. Since racing is all about passing other boats, the rules depart from the COLREGs’ strict give-way rule (COLREGs Rule 13) for the overtaking boat. The conflict here is that the leeward boat may also be overtaking under the COLREGs (crossing from more than 22.5 degrees aft of the beam) which makes it burdened, and this rule supersedes all others in this case. Rules 12 and 17 (below) offer some clarification.

Rule 12 | On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped. When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead, but only until an overlap is achieved.

Rule 17 | On the Same Tack; Proper Course. If a boat clear astern becomes overlapped within two of her hull lengths to leeward of a boat on the same tack, she shall not sail above her proper course while they remain on the same tack and overlapped within that distance, unless in doing so she promptly sails astern of the other boat. Note that “true course” can allow the leeward boat to force the windward boat to turn or tack away. This is definitely not behavior permitted under the COLREGs.

Rule 13 | Tacking. After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course. During that time, Rules 10, 11, and 12 do not apply. If two boats are subject to this Rule at the same time, the one to port or the one astern shall keep clear. The COLREGs takes a similar stance on tacking—while tacking you are the burdened vessel because you are not on any true course and the angle of your maneuver is not known. Any restriction in your ability to maneuver is your own doing, so don’t tack or jibe in close proximity to other boats.

Rule 15 | Acquiring Right of Way. When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear, unless she acquires right of way because of the other boat’s actions. Under COLREGs, channel ends are a common case; while in the channel a vessel is typically privileged, but when the vessel exits the channel a crossing situation can immediately make the same vessel burdened. It is the duty of the crossing vessel to give the other vessel room to keep clear.

Rule 16 | Changing Course. When a right-of-way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear. This is common sense, and not in conflict with the COLREGs. When you turn, a new situation exists and you are responsible for what happens during the change.

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Sometimes one has the engine running, but not in gear, in case of trouble while sailing. Is the boat then a sailing boat or a power boat ?

What you suggest is common near bridges, for example, where the wind can swirl unpredictably.

The machinery must be in use to be defined as a power-driven vessel.

The appearance of smoke or water spurting from a fitting could mean a generator is running. The presence of a sail does not mean it is a sailboat. This is why dayshapes are required, though seldom used by recreational boats.

[From COLREGS definitions] (c) The term “sailing vessel” means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.

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Right-of-Way Rules for Boaters

• By Jeff Hemmel
• April 20, 2022

There is no right of way on the water. Every boater is obligated to do what is required to avoid collision. In any meeting of boats, one is deemed the stand-on vessel and the other the give-way vessel. The rules of the road explain the situation more completely and can be learned in a boating safety course. This article serves as a refresher and a reminder on how to handle some common meeting scenarios.

While more common in a channel or narrow pass, head-to-head meetings can happen anywhere on the water. When encountering an oncoming boat head-on, the rule is simple: Each boat is a give-way or burdened vessel and should stay to its right, altering course to starboard and allowing each craft to pass to the port (left) side of the other boat.

If the other boat is to your starboard (right), it’s considered the stand-on or privileged vessel and is obligated to maintain course and speed. Your boat is the give-way vessel and is obligated to slow or alter course to pass behind it, ideally. If the boat intersecting your path is to port (left), it’s the give-way vessel. It’s obligated to yield while you’re obligated to maintain course and speed.

When overtaking another boat, keep in mind that the other boat is the stand-on vessel and yours is the give-way vessel. Your first move? Determine to which side of that craft is the safest to pass. Consider oncoming traffic, waterway markers, obstacles, or even bends in the channel. Once you have a clear path with good forward visibility, increase your speed enough so that you can safely overtake the other vessel, giving the craft a wide berth.

Encountering Kayaks, Sailboats, Etc.

Some vessels will almost always be the stand-on boat, and you must yield no matter the scenario, unless doing so will create an unsafe situation. Typically, this list includes paddlecraft and sailboats not under power, but it also includes larger craft, like ships or freighters. Realize these craft are not as maneuverable as most powerboats and, as such, the powerboat is deemed the give-way vessel.

Read Next: Boating Navigation Basics

When the Other Guy Doesn’t Know the Rules

No matter if you are the stand-on or give-way vessel, always be prepared in case the other boater doesn’t respond as you expect. Operate defensively, and be ready to yield, slow speed or change course to avoid any potentially dangerous situation. A good tip? Give other boaters plenty of space—100 feet or more—to allow enough time and distance to properly react and avoid an accident.

Know Your Colors

Do you know how to handle these scenarios at night, when you can’t see another boat, let alone determine its direction? Know your colors. Boats are required to display a green light to starboard (right) and a red light to port (left) at their bow, and most boats must display a single all-around white light at the stern. This combination of lights will help you determine which direction a boat is moving and if it’s likely to cross your path.

• More: Boating Safety , How-To , May 2022 , Seamanship

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A boat on my way! The 4 fundamental priority rules for sailing

There are many opportunities to meet other boats along the way, hence the importance of an active watch. How do I know who should uvrer?? Each collision route has its own priority rule. These priorities at sea, which concern all boaters, are easy to remember. Let's look at the main rules together.

At sea, the priority rules are governed by the RIPAM (International Regulations to Prevent Collisions at Sea). This Regulation grants rights and obligations to which everyone is obliged to comply. In the event of a risk of collision, the rules establish which of the two vessels must manoeuvre to avoid collision.

It should also be remembered that the priority ship must do everything possible to prevent the collision if the other ship does not do so. In all circumstances, let's show some marine sense and courtesy, the priority boat can quite easily choose to change its route if the manoeuvre is easier for it.

The collision course

A risk of collision between 2 boats is also called a collision course. This risk is assessed using a bearing compass . The collision course is confirmed if the compass bearing of the approaching vessel does not change significantly.

Constant increases

The 4 fundamental priority rules

The following 4 rules are a kind of canvas to quickly determine the distribution of priorities. As soon as the priority is established, the process of the canvas ends.

Remember that you must have the RIPAM on board. It is a complete set of rules that you should study and know to navigate safely.

1 - A sailboat has priority on a motorboat

RIPAM gives priority to sailboats over motorboats, whether they are the size of an annex or a tanker.

Be careful, this priority is lost when faced with a motor vessel with limited manoeuvring capacity (such as a tug in action for example). Or in a traffic separation zone (TSA). Or if it is a fishing boat in fishing action.

Use marine sense and consider this priority with caution. Do not underestimate the manoeuvring time of a motor vessel, a tanker launched at 20 knots takes several minutes to adjust its course. Also, assume that on the bridge or radar, no one has seen you.

2 - A ship overtaking another must avoid the collision by moving away from it

Rule 13 applies. Whether it is a sailboat or a motorboat sailing faster than any other, it is always the fastest that must ensure the avoidance manoeuvre.

If you are the overtaking ship, be sure to move far enough away so as not to disturb the slowest. Especially if it is a small sailboat sailing at 5 knots, overtaken by a motorboat launched at 20 knots. Manners at sea.

3 - A starboard tack sailboat has priority over a port tack sailboat

This is the famous RIPAM Rule 12. When two sailboats follow a collision course, the right reflex is to determine the amures at which each of the boats sails.

In other words, define on which sides the sailboats receive the wind.

Sailing on starboard tack - the wind coming from tribord? - the sailboat has priority. Receiving the wind from the port side, the port tacked vessel had to manoeuvre to avoid collision.

The sailboat sailing on port tack will therefore spend its time checking that it is not on the way to collide with another sailboat .

This rule makes sailors say that a starboard tack sailboat is the king of the seas. This does not preclude regular checks downwind to ensure that no boats are on the way to collision.

4 - Even tack, the leeward sailboat has priority

Rule 12 is still the reference. Remember this rule well, as it is often useful (especially with motor boats).

When two sailboats sail on the same tack, port or starboard, it is the leeward sailboat - the one that makes the closest course to the wind - that has priority. The other sailboat will have to move away while luffing, or pass behind or turn around.

Attention, the spinnaker does not grant a right

A sailboat under spinnaker is not considered to be in restricted manoeuvring capability by RIPAM . He will therefore have to comply with the rules and possibly lower the spinnaker to avoid a collision. Once again, let us show courtesy and common sense by giving priority, if possible, to the brave crews sailing under spinnaker .

Rules of the Road

Right of way rules.

Whenever you meet another boat, it’s like approaching an unmarked intersection in your car. Knowing a few, simple right of way rules will help you avoid a collision. Just as motorists must know what to do when approaching a four way stop, every crossing situation at sea is like approaching an unmarked intersection.

Because there are so many different types of boats and styles of boating, it is important to know what to expect when you come upon another vessel.

"Vessels" are anything that floats on the water that is used, or is capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. A log, a bathtub and many other things could be considered a vessel under the Navigation Rules. The Navigation Rules distinguish one vessel from another by both its design, and by its actions. This section covers maneuvering rules only.

There are other navigation rules that you are required to know. Sound Rules are covered under the Sound Signaling Equipment section. Light Rules are covered under the Navigation Light Equipment section.

The Rules of the Road are published by the U. S. Government Printing Office, and are available in any boating supply stores. Every boat owner should have a copy, but they are mandatory to be kept on vessels over 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length.

The Rules generally used in this course are Inland Rules, unless otherwise noted. There are small but important differences in the Rules depending on where you are operating your boat. It is your responsibility to know the Navigation Rules for your boating area.

• International Rules - Apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected to them that are navigable by seagoing vessels.
• Inland Rules - Apply to all vessels upon the inland waters of the United States, and to vessels of the United States on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the extent that there is no conflict with Canadian law. Certain inland waterways may have specific provisions that apply to certain vessels.
• Great Lakes - Includes the Great Lakes and their connecting and tributary waters including the Calumet River as far as the Thomas J. O'Brien Lock and Controlling Works (between mile 326 and 327), the Chicago River as far as the east side of the Ashland Avenue Bridge (between mile 321 and 322), and the Saint Lawrence River as far east as the lower exit of Saint Lambert Lock.
• Western Rivers - Includes the Mississippi River, its tributaries, South Pass, and Southwest Pass, to the navigational demarcation lines dividing the high seas from harbors, rivers, and other inland waters of the United States, and the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route, and that part of the Atchafalaya River above its junction with the Port Allen-Morgan City Alternate Route including the Old River and the Red River.

Vessel Types

• Power Driven Vessel - Any vessel propelled by machinery. This includes any boat that has an engine. Sailboats are considered powerboats when they are being propelled by a motor - even if the sails are up.
• Sailing Vessel - Any vessel under sail alone. Remember, if being propelled by a motor, a sailboat is considered to be a powerboat.
• Vessels Engaged in Fishing - Means any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other fishing apparatus which restrict maneuverability, but does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing gear which doesn't restrict maneuverability. This means a shrimper out of Galveston is "engaged in fishing" Someone out trolling for stripers in their Grady-White is NOT considered to be engaged in fishing under the Rules.
• Seaplanes - Are any aircraft designed to operate on the water.
• Vessels Constrained by Draft - Means that a vessel can't deviate from a course/channel because they might run aground. A freighter in a narrow channel is an example of this. Note: This is for International waters only, not Inland.
• Vessels Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver - Means a vessel that can't maneuver as required by the rules because of the size or operation of the vessel. A fishing vessel pulling in nets and a buoy tender placing a buoy are both examples of a vessel restricted in their ability to maneuver.
• Vessels not under Command - Any vessel that for some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by the Rules, and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. If Joe boater slips and knocks himself out, and can no longer steer--that's a vessel not under command. If the steering cable goes out, and you can't turn the boat, that's a vessel not under command. If the captain is not paying attention and hits another boat, that's negligence.
• Underway - Means that you are not anchored, moored, at the dock, or aground. If you are even drifting along, you are underway.
• Restricted Visibility - Means any condition such as fog, mist, falling snow, rain, or other similar causes that make it difficult to see other vessels. Losing your glasses is NOT restricted visibility.

Rule, Rule, Rule your Boat

It may seem as if you can do anything you want while you are on the water (You might also think that it looks as if everyone else is going crazy on the water). Boating on a crowded waterway can be scary! The good news is that there are rules to govern the action of each vessel. The bad news is that many vessel operators do not know the rules!

Not complying with the Rules - even if you don't know them, can get you in trouble on the water. Even if you think you are following the Rules, if there is something that you can do to avoid a collision - you must do it, even if you deviate from a different Navigation Rule.

It is your responsibility as the ship's captain to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and to operate your vessel in a safe manner. Caution may not be fun, but having an accident sure stinks.

The Rules state that every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing conditions to determine if a risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist.

Rules Explained

The Rules are designed to tell you what to do when you operate your vessel near other vessels. The purpose of the Rules of the Road is to help you avoid an accident--not to establish responsibility or liability if you get into an accident. - Remember, if you get into an accident, you can be held liable, even if you followed the Rules to the letter!

Your primary obligation is to operate in a safe manner. Under the Rules, there is no "right-of-way" like there is on a street. For most situations, Boats are called one of the following.

• Give-Way Vessel - If you are the Give-Way vessel, you must act as if the "stand-on" vessel has the right to keep going the way it is going. It is your responsibility to signal your intentions to the stand-on vessel, and it is your responsibility to maneuver your boat around the other in a safe manner. Also known as a "Burdened" vessel, as it has the burden of.
• Stand-On Vessel - If you are the Stand-On vessel, it is your responsibility to acknowledge the intended actions of the give-way vessel. You must also maintain your current course and speed until the give-way vessel passes, or you enter a dangerous situation.

Operator Responsibilities

In addition to the Rules, you have other responsibilities as the captain as well. You are responsible for the safety of everyone aboard your vessel at all times--and you have a responsibility to those with whom you are sharing the water.

• You must always operate at a safe controlled speed for the situation in which you are boating, and any legally mandated speed requirements that there may be, such as a slow/no wake zone.
• Take care to avoid careless, reckless or negligent boat operations--such as operating too closely to other vessels, boating under the influence, or operating at an unsafe speed for the given conditions.
• Steer clear of naval vessels, and other restricted facilities such as bridges, power plants and dams. New Homeland security measures require it, as does your safety! For more information, see the Homeland Security pages.

Finally, as a boater, you have a responsibility to all other boaters--and all others who enjoy the water--to be courteous and respectful of others. This means that you should always watch your boat noise (a legal requirement) avoid congested waters as much as possible, avoid disturbing wildlife and sea grasses, and look out for the safety and well being of other boaters by giving a hand to those in need.

The Pecking Order

There is a "pecking order" that can be used as a simplified memory aid to determine right of way for vessels of different types. Get very familiar with this list, as it is important to understand it thoroughly. The lower most vessel on the list is the give way vessel, and must stay out of the way of vessels that are higher on the list.

• Overtaken vessel (top priority)
• Vessels not under command
• Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver
• Vessels constrained by draft
• Fishing vessels engaged in fishing, with gear deployed
• Sailing vessels
• Power driven vessels

Collision Avoidance

• Rules apply to vessels in all conditions of visibility. Rules are the same at night or in fog, for instance, as they are during a bright sunny day.
• Every vessel must maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing at all times. Operator inattention and not having an adequate look out are a leading cause of accidents each year.
• Every vessel must proceed at a safe speed at all times. Several factors should be considered when determining safe speed, including but not limited to the state of visibility, traffic density, your vessel's maneuverability, with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability. At night, consider the presence of background lights such as those from shore, or from the back-scatter of your vessel's own lights. Consider also the state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards.
• The Rules specifically require that any action taken to avoid collision, if the circumstances allow, will be positive, made in ample time, and in keeping with good seamanship. Any changes in course or speed should be large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel. This means that you should avoid last second changes in course, and you should avoid a small series of changes. Change direction early, and make a large turn.

Maneuvering

The main situations of collision risk are overtaking, meeting head-on, and crossing. When one of two vessels is to keep out of the way (give-way vessel), the other, the stand-on vessel, must maintain course and speed. The stand-on vessel must take avoiding action when it becomes apparent that the vessel required to give way is not taking appropriate action.

The Crossing Rule

Both International and Inland Rules state that when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side (the give-way vessel) must keep out of the way.

As the give-way vessel it is your duty to avoid a collision. Typically, this means you must alter speed or direction to cross behind the other vessel (the stand-on vessel).

At night, if you see a red light crossing right-to-left in front of you, you need to change your course. If you see a green light crossing from left-to-right, you are the stand-on vessel, and should maintain course and speed.

The Meeting Situation

At times there may be some doubt whether the situation is a crossing or a head-on meeting. In case of doubt, you should assume that it is a meeting situation, in which neither vessel has a clear-cut "right-of-way," and each must act to avoid the other. Each vessel in a meeting situation must alter course to starboard so that each will pass on the port side of the other. At night, you will recognize a head-on meeting situation if you see both red and green side lights at the same time.

The Overtaking Situation

Any vessel overtaking any other vessel must keep out the way of the vessel being overtaken. The former is the give-way vessel and the latter is the stand-on vessel.

This rule applies even if the overtaking vessel is propelled by wind, oars, or rubber band paddlewheel.

A vessel is deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft (behind) her beam. This is the angle prescribed by the stern light.

At night, the overtaking vessel will see only the white stern light of the vessel being overtaken. If you see either side light, it is a crossing situation.

Operating in a Narrow Channel

First and foremost, you have to avoid larger vessels that can only travel in a channel. Even if your vessel is operating under the rules otherwise, you must give way to a boat that could potentially run aground or get into a collision if they left the channel.

Try and operate on the edge of the channel. Be extra cautious if you come to a bend in the waterway, and can't see traffic coming towards you.

You may sound a prolonged blast as a warning to traffic headed your way.

On the Great Lakes and Western River system, vessels going downstream are stand-on, vessels going up stream must give-way.

Potential Collision Situation

When the distance between two vessels decreases and the relative angle of the other vessel off the bow remains the same, then you will soon be trying to occupy the same spot in the water - a collision situation. Change course or reduce speed, even if you are the stand-on vessel.

Conduct of Vessels During Periods of Restricted Visibilty

Operating a boat in areas or at times of restricted visibility requires extra concentration by the skipper and the lookout. You must operate your vessel at a speed at which you can identify and react to a situation and still have enough time to avoid a collision. This is especially important when vessels are no in sight of one another.

• Operate at a safe speed for the prevailing circumstances
• Have engines ready for immediate maneuvering - including reverse
• Don't rely on radar or other electronic imaging alone - use your buiilt in senses at all times
• Take avoiding actions early and provide ample time for the other vessels to maneuver
• Avoid sharp turns if being overtaken
• Always - you are in doubt, reduce your speed
• Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed

Other Rules

Whether under inland or international rules, power vessels must keep clear of sailing vessels in open waters. A sailboat with motor running is defined as a motor boat. The "pecking order" between sailing vessels is more complex. When two sailing are approaching one another so as to involve risk of collision, one of then shall keep out of the way of each other as follows.

• When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.
• When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward.
• If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.
• For the purposes of these rules the windward side shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which the mainsail is carried. On square-rigged vessels, it shall be deemed to be the side opposite to that on which the largest fore-and-aft sail is carried.

Now that you are familiar with "The Rules," go out and use them in passing, meeting, and crossing situations you find on the water. You will get many puzzled looks from inexperienced boaters with no training or testing.

Remember, if a collision does occur, your proper use of the correct signals and appropriate actions will win you points! But you know enough now to avoid a collision.

The navigation rules of the road contained in this course summarize basic navigation rules for which a boat operator is responsible. Additional and more in-depth rules apply regarding various types of waterways and operation in relation to commercial vessels and other watercraft. It is the responsibility of a boat operator to know and follow all the navigation rules.

For a complete listing of the navigation rules, refer to the document “Navigation Rules of the Road” published by the U.S. Coast Guard (COMDTINST 16672.2 Series) and available through the U.S. Government printing office or on the web here .

For state specific navigation requirements, refer to the state laws where you intend to boat.

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Boat Collision Liability

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Finding fault can be tricky at sea. The bottom line is to be conservative; take evasive action, even if you think you're in the right. Here's why.

With some collisions, fault is obvious, like the collision that occurred when the skipper of a 45-foot powerboat in Florida slammed into the stern of a 31-foot boat late one night in a narrow waterway. The skipper of the larger boat had been drinking heavily and his boat was traveling at almost 50 mph, over twice the posted speed limit.

But with many collisions, perhaps most collisions, assessing liability isn't so easy. Last summer, for example, a small fishing boat and a trawler collided on a clear day on the Chesapeake Bay after having each other in sight for almost 10 minutes. Seas were calm and the open stretch of water near the mouth of the Potomac River was remarkably free of other boat traffic. The first boat, a 26-foot center-console, was heading north, off Smith Point Light, and its skipper said later that he thought his boat was moving faster and would pass in front of the trawler. He admitted that his attention was focused elsewhere.

The second boat, the trawler, was headed northwest toward the Potomac River. The trawler's skipper said that he was well aware of the smaller boat but his boat had the right of way and he held his course until a few seconds before the collision — far too late to move out of harm's way.

Liability Of The Stand-On Vessel

For many years, the Rules Of The Road made a distinction between "privileged" vessels and "burdened" vessels in meeting, overtaking, and crossing situations. The two terms were eventually abandoned because they're misleading. The Rules are not intended to establish guilt in the event of a collision, as these older terms seemed to suggest; both vessels have a responsibility to avoid a collision. The terms used today, "stand-on" and "give-way," indicate the course of action that each boat is intended to follow. If the skipper of the give-way vessel doesn't appear to know the Rules or isn't keeping a proper lookout, it's up to the skipper of the stand-on vessel to take the necessary steps to prevent a collision. That's also in the Rules, Rule 17 (b), which says, "When, from any cause, the vessel required to keep her course and speed finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone, shall take such action as will best aid to avoid collision." Rule 17-b is the ultimate rule, if you consider that it is the last rule to be applied before an impending collision.

Sooner or later, every skipper will approach another boat whose skipper either doesn't know the Rules Of The Road or isn't keeping a proper lookout. When the two boats collided on Chesapeake Bay, the skipper of the center console — the give-way vessel — didn't give way because he wasn't keeping a proper lookout (Rule 5). That does not make him solely liable for the collision, however.

Farwell's Rules Of The Road states that: "It [Rule 5] is not meant to imply that whenever two vessels collide, that mere proof of improper lookout on either vessel, in the technical sense, will ipso facto condemn that vessel for the collision. On the contrary, it has been held by the Supreme Court that the absence of a lookout is unimportant where the approaching vessel was seen long before the collision occurred."

As you watch through binoculars, if the bearing of an approaching boat remains the same, you are on a collision course. (Photos: Bob Adriance)

Besides turning to avoid the collision, the skipper of the stand-on vessel could easily have slowed down or stopped, which would've allowed the give-way vessel time to pass safely in front of his boat. One of the more serious collisions in the claim files involved a runabout that was cruising on the port side of a waterway heading north (the wrong side) and met another boat at a sharp bend heading south. Both boats made a quick series of offsetting maneuvers before finally colliding head on. Although the investigating officer noted that the northbound boat was cruising on the wrong side of the channel, both skippers were cited for failure to slow their boats before the collision.

Some Exceptions To Shared Liability

There are situations where liability is less likely to be shared. An overtaking vessel (more than 22.5˚ abaft the other vessel's beam) that runs into the stern of a boat, according to Farwell's "is solely [emphasis added] liable as long as the vessel being overtaken maintains her course and speed as required under the Rules."

If a vessel comes up relatively close to another vessel from any direction more than 22.5˚ abaft the latter's starboard beam, draws ahead, and subsequently turns to port to come onto a crossing course, Farwell's says that the overtaking vessel would not be relieved of her duty to keep clear and notes that the courts have found that this applies not only in restricted waters, but wherever an attempt to pass might mean risk of collision.

The Rules also take into account the lack of maneuverability of large ships and you can't expect to cruise down the middle of the shipping channel and get off lightly in court using some David and Goliath, "I'm just a little boat," defense if there's a collision (assuming you survive the collision). Quite the contrary, Rule 9d is very specific: "A vessel less than 66 feet in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede passage of larger vessels that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway." It's a rule that the Coast Guard takes very seriously. A ship's pilot was preparing to pass a large tug and barge at night in Delaware Bay's shipping channel when a sailboat ahead failed to tack and instead maintained its course across the ship's bow. The pilot sounded five horn blasts (danger), which only seemed to confuse the sailboat's skipper. The sailboat skipper held his course and the pilot was forced to turn the ship, which collided with the tug, inflicting a total of $377,000 worth of damage to the two vessels. The Coast Guard located the sailboat's skipper later that night and held him completely liable for the damage. It is worth noting that the sailboat's skipper only had $100,000 worth of liability coverage, which meant that he was personally responsible for the remaining $277,000!

Avoiding Collisions: A Practical Approach

From the surveyor's report from yet another claim: "Officer Figular related that the initial cause of the accident was [the other skipper's] failure to give way. He said she turned to port and the [skipper of the stand-on vessel] responded at the same instant by turning to starboard. Officer Figular said both boats were cited because neither vessel backed off of the throttle in an attempt to avoid the collision."

In any crossing situations, the best way for the skipper of the give-way vessel to avoid frantic last-minute maneuvering, which creates confusion and increases the likelihood of a collision, is to make course changes early, and the sooner the better. (See below "The Art Of Taking Bearings".) At a mile or two, a slight change of course will usually suffice, but the closer the two boats are the more important it becomes to make a course change that will be immediately obvious to the other skipper. One tactic is to head for the other boat's wake until you're certain it's going to pass safely in front of your boat.

The Art of Taking Bearings, And Surviving A Crossing Situation

Two explanations that are often given in collision claims that we see at BoatUS Marine Insurance: "Uh, I thought he was going to pass in front," and "I thought he would pass astern," both of which indicate that the skipper didn't have a clue how to take bearings or for that matter how to avoid a collision. Let's fix that right here, right now.

Even if you're an experienced skipper, it's not hard to occasionally misjudge the speed of another boat, especially when it's still a safe distance away. Rather than make a series of last-second maneuvers, which don't always work, you can use a hand-bearing compass or binoculars with a hand-bearing compass to asses the risk of collision. If your boat's speed and heading are constant and the compass bearings are moving forward, the other boat should pass ahead. If the bearings are moving aft, the other boat should pass astern. The farther the bearings move, the farther away the two boats should be when they cross. A series of bearings that remain constant, or nearly constant, indicate that the two boats are converging on a collision course. More experienced skippers have learned to choose a convenient object on the boat, such as a stanchion or a winch, that lines up with the approaching vessel; if it remains in line with the reference object, the two vessels are on a collision course.

Don't take chances. When in doubt, if yours is the give-way vessel, head for the other boat's stern. If yours is the stand-on vessel, be prepared to alter course anyway, lest the skipper on the give-way vessel takes the "Uh, I thought we were going to pass ... approach to avoiding collisions.

What if you're the stand-on vessel and the other skipper either doesn't understand the Rules or doesn't see you? Five or more short blasts, signaling danger, should get his or her attention. If not, slow the boat immediately and turn away from the collision. DON'T wait until the boats are a few yards apart to take evasive action; the longer you wait, the more radical your maneuver will be and the more likely the other skipper will become confused.

When approaching another boat head on, both boats are supposed to turn to starboard — Rule 14(a) — to avoid a collision. The turn must be obvious, so that the other skipper clearly sees your boat's port side. In a crowded channel or fairway, boats should keep to the right side of the channel, just like on a highway.

Besides crossing and approaching, the other situation addressed by the Navigation Rules is overtaking. When you're approaching another boat from astern, sound one short blast if you'll be overtaking on its starboard side and two if you'll be overtaking on its port side. While you can't be sure your signals have been understood, signaling has the advantage in any situation of getting the other skipper's attention. (If you respond to another vessel's signal, respond with the same signal or the danger signal — never respond with a contradictory signal.) You can also try contacting the boat's skipper on your VHF. The overtaking boat will be the give-way vessel, even if it passes to the right and moves into the other boat's danger zone. Finally, to save aggravation and possible injury, both boats should slow way down to reduce the size of their wakes until the overtaking boat is safely clear.

Are You On A Collision Course?

The skipper of a 27-foot sailboat that was motor sailing across Lake Michigan flipped on his autopilot and went below to check his charts. After a few minutes the sailboat's skipper poked his head out of the hatch and saw a large fishing trawler several miles away that seemed to be moving very slowly. He watched it for several minutes and then — a big mistake — went back to his chart, convinced the trawler would pass well astern of his boat. It didn't. In what the sailboat skipper described as "a very short amount of time," he heard a series of loud whistles, but it was too late to avoid a violent collision with the tug.

It's easy to misjudge the speed of another boat at great distances. Rather than wait until the last minute, you can use a hand-bearing compass (or the boat's compass) to assess the risk of collision. If your boat's speed and heading are constant and the compass bearings are moving forward, the other boat should pass ahead. If the bearings are moving aft, the other boat should pass astern. The further the bearings move, the further away the two boats should be when they cross. A series of bearings that remain constant, however, indicate that the two boats are converging on a collision course and you must take the appropriate action to avoid a collision.

You can also assess the risk of collision with another boat by lining it up with an object on land. For example, if there is a water tower on land that appears to be moving astern of the other boat, the boat should safely cross your bow. If the water tower appears to be moving ahead of the approaching boat, your boat is moving faster and you should cross ahead of the other boat. If the water tower remains in the same position relative to the other boat, you are likely on a collision course and you must take the appropriate action to avoid a collision. Note that the technique doesn't work when the two boats are converging on a parallel course.

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Bob Adriance

Contributor, BoatUS Magazine

Bob Adriance is the former editor of Seaworthy, which is now incorporated into BoatUS Magazine and called BoatUS Reports. The stories and lessons learned are based on real-life BoatUS Marine Insurance claim files.

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• Right of Way Rules for Boating

If you’re a new boat owner or you need a refresher on the right of way rules for boating — this article is for you.

While we all love to have fun on the water,  safety is always the priority . You may be intimidated thinking about driving your new boat down a crowded waterway with all different types of vessels crossing your path. How does everyone know where to go and how to stay out of each other’s way? Fortunately, there are regulations to minimize collisions and to maintain order and safety. However, it is also important to note that despite the rules, it is always your responsibility to avoid a collision, no matter the scenario.

Every good captain must know the right way to approach interactions with other boats — just like how it’s essential to know traffic rules when driving a car. When you understand the fundamental boating right of way rules for rivers, oceans and harbors, you’ll be able to cruise through the most crowded waterways with ease. Let’s dive in.

The Importance of Knowing Boating Right of Way Rules

The United States Coast Guard reported almost 4,300  recreational boat accidents in 2017 . Surprisingly, most recreational boaters aren’t familiar with the boat right of way rules, which causes confusion and makes their boating experience less safe and more stressful. If you master even the basic principles of boat-passing rules, you’ll know how to behave in any situation and keep your cool.

As the captain of your vessel, it’s your responsibility to maintain the safety of your boat and everyone onboard. The more knowledgeable you are about how to do that — such as by knowing and understanding boating right-of-way-rules and collision regulations — the less you have to worry about something going wrong.

First things first — a few general tips and boating rules for maintaining navigational safety:

Don’t Go Too Fast

If you can increase the overall safety of your vessel or a vessel nearby by slowing down, you should. Sometimes the conditions are right to go fast, and sometimes they aren’t. It’s the job of a good skipper to know the difference. Take into account how many other boats are around you and if you have the proper space to slow down quickly.

Be Cautious of Other Boaters

Just like when you’re driving a car, just because the rules of the road exist, it doesn’t mean everyone follows them. Recreational boaters are notorious for not following the rules. If their actions seem unsafe, keep enough distance between you and them so that any unexpected maneuver won’t catch you off guard.

Always Be Respectful and Conscientious

While sometimes you may be operating under legal conditions, it’s still nice to give other boaters the respect and the space they deserve. Just because you have the right of way doesn’t mean you have to take it every time.

Avoid All Government Vessels and Restricted Areas

These vessels and areas almost always have the right of way, and it’s best to give them plenty of space.

Give Way If It Makes Sense

Even if you have the right of way in a situation that could be dangerous, it’s your responsibility to alter your course if it means avoiding an accident. If you did not change your course and an accident occurred, it’s possible you could still be at least partially at fault even if you did have the right of way. Safety always takes precedence.

Rules for Different Boating Scenarios

How two boats approach each other determines which has the right of way. Position, direction and the different levels of priority for different vessels make up the majority of the rules on the water. We’ll get into the different types of vessel priority a little later.

When a vessel has the right of way, they’re called the  “stand-on” or “burdened” vessel . If you’re the stand-on vessel, you have to confirm the actions of the give-way vessel by maintaining your course and speed until you pass them or need to alter your course.

The “stand-off” or “give-way” vessel is the one that doesn’t have the right of way.

What does it mean to give another vessel right of way? You must ensure they can hold their current course and speed, which may mean substantially altering your course in a way that’s clear to the stand-on vessel.

For this article, we’re assuming you operate a power-driven vessel — the rules are a little more complicated if you’re sailing.

Here are some common scenarios you’re likely to encounter on the water:

1. Approaching a Non-Power Vessel

When you’re approaching a vessel without motor power, such as a sailboat, they have the right of way.

An important note — a sailboat must be “under sail” to qualify for the right of way over power-driven vessels. If they’re using their small outboard motor instead, they have the same right of way as a normal powerboat .

In recent years we have seen a proliferation of human-powered craft in the form of kayaks and paddle boards. The  Navigation Rules  refer to human-powered craft as “vessels under oars” and they are singled out only in the lighting rules. Otherwise they are simply “vessels.” We may encounter these vessels in three different navigational situations. We may encounter them in overtaking situations. The vessel being overtaken is the most privileged vessel on the high seas. Give that human-powered craft a wide birth when overtaking, being mindful of your wake as you do. The two other navigational situations in which we may encounter paddlers are head-on and crossing situations.

Interestingly, the rules don’t make specific provisions for power-driven vessels encountering vessels under oars in head-on and crossing scenarios. Rule 2 is the “responsibility” rule, and it, in essence, tells us to use good judgment based on the whole of the navigational picture. In head-on situations, the standard port to port passing should serve us well. In crossing situations, there’s no reason why we can’t apply the rules of power-driven vessels as well. The vessel that has the other to her starboard shall give way. In short, Rule 8 tells us we must take all reasonable action to avoid a collision. Vessels under oars move relatively slowly and are easy to avoid. When encountering them take early and positive action to pass at a safe distance. In any case of uncertainty, the rules tell us we should slacken our speed.

2. Approaching Power-Driven Vessels

When two boats have the same priority of right of way based on their classification, the determining factors become position and direction of travel.

To determine the position of another vessel relative to your own, you must know the different “sectors” of your vessel, i.e., starboard, port and stern. Once you identify where another boat is relative to your own, you’ll know who has the right of way.

Using the following simple rules, you’ll have a good grasp on how to behave around other powerboats :

1. If another vessel is approaching you from the port — or left — side of your boat, you have the right of way and should maintain your speed and direction.

2. If a vessel is aiming to cross your path and they’re on your starboard — or right — side, they have the right of way. Alter your course so that you will pass them at a safe distance and in a way that is apparent to the other skipper.

3. Any vessel that is approaching your boat for the stern doesn’t have the right of way. Maintain your speed and course. Whenever a boat is overtaking another, the vessel in front always has the right of way and should be allowed to continue their original course unhindered. This is the case even if the vessel behind has a higher level of right-of-way priority, such as a sailboat.

When the sun goes down, and boaters turn on their navigational lights, there’s an easy way to remember to who has the right of way:

• – When you see a red navigational light on another boat, it’s indicating their port side, and they have the right of way — red means stop.
• – When you see a green navigational light, you’re approaching a vessel from their starboard side, and you have the right of way — green means go.
• – How do you know if you’re overtaking another vessel at night? Look for their white stern light and steer clear. The stern light shines at  22.5 degrees on either side of the boat  behind the widest point — the beam.

Knowing the basics listed above will have you in great shape in most boating situations. Below are some of the best practices that will help take your navigational skills to the next level:

If You’re Passing through a Crowded Harbor

One of the best tips for this scenario is to always aim for the stern of a boat you want to go behind — this lets the operator of the other boat know that you intend to go behind them and they can continue their course. Captains will sometimes use a VHF radio to communicate their intention to “take the stern” of another boat as a courtesy and to keep traffic flowing more smoothly.

If You Meet Another Boat Head-on

Under the boating rules of the road, vessels approaching each other head-on are always supposed to pass each other port to port — or left to left, just like on the road. However, crowded harbors and times when many boats come together at once make this difficult to follow all the time — stick to the rules as much as possible, but use your best judgment to keep everyone safe.

If You Want To Use a Horn To Communicate or You Hear Another Vessel’s Horn

Experienced skippers will sometimes use their horns to communicate. If you want to move past another boat in a narrow channel or if you’re overtaking another vessel and would like to pass, you may sound your horn for two short blasts. If you receive two short blasts back, the other skipper is signaling that the maneuver is okay. If they sound five short blasts in response, that means passing is unsafe, and you shouldn’t pass the vessel — in any situation, if you ever hear five short horn blasts, be on alert. This is the signal for imminent danger. Please keep in mind that international rules can differ.

If You’re on a “Collision Course” With Another Vessel

Remember, you must alter your course with ample time to safely avoid a collision, even if you are the stand-on vessel. The definition of a “collision course” is when the bearing from your boat to another isn’t changing, while the distance between your two boats is shrinking.

Once you’re familiar with the basic rules of the road, use them with your best judgment, and navigating through boat traffic will be a breeze.

Right of Way Between Different Types of Vessels

Now that you know the basic rules of the road, we’ll cover a few special situations you may encounter. Besides the basics of power versus non-power boat rules, there’s a pecking order when it comes to the right of way — different vessels and different conditions determine who is the stand-on vessel.

Here’s the  U.S. Coast Guard list , from the highest level of right of way to the lowest:

1. A Vessel Not Under Command or a Vessel Restricted in Its Ability to Maneuver

The Coast Guard gives these two types of vessels the same level of priority. A boat “not under command” means that an unexpected circumstance is keeping the boat from maneuvering, like an engine or steering failure.

A vessel that restricted in its ability to maneuver is unable to move out of the way of other boats due to the nature of its work, like a buoy tender fixing a navigational aid or vessel transferring passengers while underway.

2. A Vessel Being Overtaken

Any boat approaching a vessel from astern must give them the right of way.

3. A Boat Engaged in Fishing

When a boat has commercial fishing equipment deployed, that restricts their ability to maneuver. Therefore, they have the right of way.

4. A Vessel Under Sail or Not Under Power

A vessel under sail as well as other watercraft that are not powered, — such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. — have the right of way over powered-vessels.

5. A Power-driven Vessel

As a power-driven vessel, you must give way to all the other categories above. If you are converging on another powered boat, either head-on or astern, the right-of-way rules mentioned earlier apply.

A few more unique situations that the Coast Guard doesn’t include on their simplified list are:

• – Whenever you hear a siren or see blue flashing lights on an emergency or law-enforcement vessel, give them the right of way just like you would an ambulance or a police vehicle.
• – Keep an eye out for tugboats and other vessels towing — if in the open ocean, they can have a submerged tow-line with a lot of distance between them and their tow.
• – Always take the stern of large commercial tankers and container ships in the ocean, and never try to cross in front of them. While it may look like they’re not moving, they can be  running at over 20 knots .
• – Steer clear of docked or moving ferries — some have submerged cable lines. Watch other boats and how they navigate around the ferry before crossing yourself.
• –  Any boat under 65 feet  is obligated to steer clear of larger, less maneuverable vessels.

It’s important to maintain a proper lookout at all times when operating your vessel. If your boat is small enough, you may be able to keep track of everything by yourself. If you have a larger boat, you’ll probably want some help from a friend onboard — especially when leaving the dock or landing. Having an extra set of eyes is helpful to any captain, no matter how seasoned.

If you apply these tips and remain alert and responsible when operating your boat, there’s no reason you should get into a collision. If someone who isn’t following the rules happens to bump into you, following the rules only helps your case.

You can find a copy of the USCG Navigation Rules in most boating supply stores, and you can also  download it online . It’s a good idea for any boater to carry a copy onboard, and it’s mandatory for  any vessel over 39 feet in length. Be sure to look up your state’s navigational rules before you set out, as they may vary depending on location.

Formula Boats for Safety and Performance

Here at Formula Boats, we take safety seriously. As a family company since 1976, we know the importance of protecting your most valuable assets. Owned and operated by lifelong boaters, the Porter family treats every product as a representation of themselves — that’s why we do everything we can to equip our customers with not only the most reliable boats available, but also the knowledge to be safe such as these boat rules on the water.

Our customers keep coming back because when you own a Formula boat — you’re part of the family. If you’ve thought you can’t have it all in a boat, think again. We don’t make boats for the masses — we make boats for you. With more than 60 years of continued innovation, we make precision watercraft that surpass expectations of quality and performance.

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Collision Regulations & Rules

"Here lies the body of Michael O'Day, who died maintaining the right of way. He was right, dead right, as he sailed along, but he's just as dead as if he'd been wrong."

There is no such thing as a right-of-way . There is only Rules of the Road - all boat operators must use every available means (lookout, radar, radio) to determine whether there is a risk of collision, and avoid one.

All ships (vessels over 20 metres / 65 ft.) have the right of passage over all boats under 20 metres. For pleasure craft, power-boats must keep clear of boats being sailed, rowed or paddled. (A sailboat under sail and power is considered a power-boat.) In a narrow channel, boats must not hamper the safe passage of any vessel that cannot safely navigate outside the channel. There are additional rules for the Heritage Canals

You must always try to avoid a collision regardless of the "rules of the road".

From the Canada Shipping Act: Collision Regulations: Any action taken to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be positive, made in ample time and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship.

Shoreline speed limits in most provinces restricts boats to 10 km/h within 30 metres (100 feet) of shore. There are some exemptions, such as ski boats going perpendicular (directly away) from shore. ( Speed Limits & Boat Wakes )

The Rules of the Road began in the days when most ships had square rigs and had trouble sailing to windward. The rules made the downwind boat "give way" to those sailing to windward, the "privileged" boat.

Tack is determined by the mainsail. For example, port tack means that the wind is coming over the port side (left side facing forward) of the boat and the mainsail (or largest foresail) is carried to starboard. The port side is thus the windward side.

Racing rules apply only to the race and does not provide special exemption from the international rules when meeting non-racing boats.

Alter course well in advance so the other vessel knows your intentions. There's no such thing as "right of way" on the water, only "rules". Don't assume the other vessels knows the rules.

From the Online Forums

Serious stories told with humour, reference list.

Sailing Collision Regulations & Right of Way Rules

Before setting out for a sailing adventure where you get to enjoy the freedoms of any other sailor, being aware of the proper sailing collision regulations and rules for right of way is crucially important.

What do you do if you see a sailboat, powerboat, or even a tanker approaching your sailboat?

Just the thought of going through a collision situation where you’re uncertain what the rules are can be stressful. Luckily, there are some pretty straightforward rules that all sailing and power vessels follow to avoid collisions with just your boats, the water, and potentially some buoys.

Thankfully, everything you need to learn about sailing collision regulations and right of way is more or less common sense.

When you understand the foundations of why the rules are set in place the way they are, it’s easy to derive each rule on the top of your head when the time is right.

International Sailing Collision Regulations

All of the information laid out here are based on the regulations set forth by many countries around the world through the International Maritime Organization.

These regulations are formally recognized as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and were developed back in 1972.

While there have been many amendments since then, the most important core rules and regulations are covered below.

Basic Definitions

Whenever I set out to learn a new topic, there always seems to be a set of terminology and definitions that I need to learn before getting my feed settled.

Well, that’s certainly the case when learning about sailing collision regulations. It’s a good idea to get these definitions drilled down so you can be in good shape before heading out on the water.

Vessel – any maneuverable object that’s able to fulfill transportation on water, including watercraft and seaplanes.

Power-Driven Vessel – any vessel that’s powered through the use of electric, combustible, or other types of engines or motors.

Sailing Vessel – any vessel that’s powered through the use of one or more various types of sails provided any present engine or motor is not in use.

Vessel Engaged in Fishing – any vessel, either power-driven or sailing, that is fishing using nets, lines, trawls, or any other fishing items that remove the chance to maneuver easily. If the vessel is fishing and under power, it is considered a power-driven vessel.

Vessel Restricted in Her Ability to Maneuver – any vessel that’s unable to maneuver based on their current working conditions (e.g., towing, cable or pipe laying, etc.) and is therefore incapable of keeping out of the way of other vessels.

Vessel Constrained by Her Draft – a power-driven vessel that is severely restricted in its ability to deviate from its course due to ineffective draft in relation to the available depth and width of the surrounding water.

Underway – the situation when a vessel is out on the water and not anchored, tied off, or aground.

Restricted Visibility – the situation when fog, mist, snow, rain, or any other visibility restriction is present out on the water in proximity to a vessel.

These are just a few basic definitions that’ll help you out when reading up on the following rules and regulations, so it’s a good idea to keep them in mind as we walk through everything.

Never Forget This Rule

There exists a rule when going out on the water with your sailboat that, if nothing else, should be understood to the core.

While every sailing rule is important, this is the big daddy when it comes to sailboat collision regulations and right of way.

The rule goes: “Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.”

This rule is Rule 5 of the COLREGS and is often cited as the rule to remember at all times if any rule is to be remembered. It definitely makes sense, but it’s worth understanding now so all your bases are covered.

If you want to be prepared for a serious event, if one ever arises, following this rule will hopefully give you enough time to plan accordingly.

Steering and Sailing Rules

Now that you have an idea of where all of the rules you need to learn come from, the terminology that’ll help you better understand the rules, and the absolute “do not forget” rule, you’re ready to start getting into the good stuff.

Steering and sailing rules are central to sailing collision regulations because they are the fundamental actions you and your sailboat can take to avoid near disaster.

The following rules are all based on specific situations you’ll likely encounter when out on the water.

Since none of us want to learn these kinds of things the hard way, it’s good to review these rules from time to time until they’re really engraved in your head for whenever you go out sailing.

1. Safe Speed

When you’re cruising along in your sailboat, you want to make sure you’re well in control. However, high winds can mean high speeds and high instability for a sailboat, so it’s definitely advised to keep your cruising speed at a reasonable level.

This speed, of course, depends solely on the type of sailboat you have, so getting a feel for your sailboat should definitely clear this up for you.

Now, if you’re out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean sailing from the Canary Islands to St. Lucia, there’s most likely not going to be a big deal if you’re speeding along.

However, in any circumstance that allows for lack of visibility, high traffic density, difficulty maneuvering, flashing lights, or any other hindrance, you should use common sense in determining the most appropriate speed.

2. Determining Risk of Collision

Sometimes you’ll be surrounded by a number of vessels and you’ll feel like you’re in a beehive of boats. On the other hand, you might be one of two vessels in the area, but you notice that you’re going in similar directions or crossing paths.

The ability to determine whether or not there’s a serious risk of collision between you and another vessel is a valuable and necessary skill to have.

It truly is up to you to determine if a risk of collision is possible. You should never depend on any other vessel to have the ability to come to this conclusion. You must take full responsibility and depend on yourself to assess the situation and act appropriately.

The best way to determine the risk of a collision is to monitor the compass bearing of an approaching vessel.

If it doesn’t change by a reasonable amount, then you’re at risk of collision. Even if the vessel is large, there is a substantial risk of a collision even if the compass bearing doesn’t noticeably change.

If you have any doubt about whether or not a risk of collision exists, you should assume a risk of collision exists and alter your sailboat’s course.

It’s always best to default to risk-aversion mode when encountering any similar kind of situation so as to avoid a more dangerous situation to occur.

3. Actions to Take When Avoiding Collisions

Once you’re able to properly assess a situation and determine whether or not your vessel is at risk of collision, you need to ensure you have the proper skill set for actually avoiding that collision.

As I stated previously, even if you’re unsure whether or not you’re at risk of collision, you want to default to “a risk exists” and take action immediately.

The most obvious way to avoid any collision while out sailing is to alter your sailboat’s course. This could be as simple as changing your point of sail on the same windward side or performing a tack or jibe to make it obvious you’re altering your course.

Either way, you want to ensure the action you take is positive, made in good haste, and obvious to the other vessel.

You can also lower your cruising speed as opposed to altering your sailboat’s course. Depending on your current situation, this may be an easier and faster option.

By letting out your sails or reefing them, you’ll be able to drop the speed of your sailboat relatively quickly.

The most important point to get across here is that whatever action you take, you want to do it fairly quickly and make it extremely obvious to the other vessel.

You definitely want to avoid small changes to your course or speed because this might not be sufficiently detected by the other vessel. Make it obvious so they know that you are taking action now.

4. Actions to Take When in a Channel

Most of the time when you’re out sailing, you’ll have the luxury of space when having to come up with actions to take to mitigate any risks of collision.

However, that’s a different story when passing through a channel since things can start to get tight and narrow. You most definitely want to avoid any potential issues or close calls.

The single most important rule to follow when moving through a channel is to stay on the starboard (or right-hand) side as you would on the road when driving a car in most countries (obviously excluding current and past Commonwealth countries).

While there are some vessels out there that didn’t get the memo on this rule, you’ll be well equipped under these circumstances.

Sometimes a channel is especially narrow, which can provide a lot of difficulty for vessels since the number of “lanes” of moving through the channel is less than normal.

Obviously, everyone wants to get through it as fast as possible, but also as safe as possible. If you’re traveling through a narrow channel, stay on the starboard side as near to the outer limit of the channel as is safe and practical.

If the channel’s so narrow that only one vessel can travel through it at a time, under no circumstance should a vessel less than 20 meters (~65 feet), a sailing vessel, or a fishing vessel block any other type of vessel.

They are given the right of way so they can safely navigate within very narrow channels.

5. “Give Way” or “Stand On”

I think by now it’s clear which actions to take if you’re potentially at risk of collision while out sailing.

While it’s certainly important to be able to spot these situations as soon as possible and act immediately, you also want to consider whether the other vessel is aware of the same situation unfolding.

If the other vessel is under control by a responsible and competent captain, then the other vessel will clearly be assessing the situation as well.

Under these circumstances, one of you will beat the other to the punch by altering your course or slowing down so as to avoid any risk of collision.

The vessel that decides to alter its course or reduce its speed is “giving way” while the vessel that continues onward with the right of way is “standing on”. These vessels are also known as the “Give Way” vessels and “Stand On” vessels, respectively.

If the vessel learns it’s the “Give Way” vessel, it needs to take early and substantial action to avoid any and all collisions. We covered this pretty extensively already.

If the vessel that learns it’s the “Stand On” vessel, maintaining course and speed is the only action that needs to be taken.

However, if you know you’re the “Stand On” vessel and the “Give Way” vessel is clearly not taking the appropriate actions to avoid a collision, then it becomes your responsibility to alter course and/or reduce speed.

I’ve seen this play out a few times and it’s best to just do what you got to do. Not everyone’s aware of the rules even though they should be.

6. Overtaking

You know what it’s like to pass someone on the freeway that’s either going a tad too slow or they seem to be an irresponsible driver.

When it comes to vessels out on the water, there are rules to follow when passing, or overtaking, other vessels to ensure everyone’s safe and under the same understanding.

There will certainly be a time you’ll overtake another vessel, so the most important rule to follow when doing so is to keep well out of the way of the vessel you overtake. A safe distance is your best insurance policy under these circumstances.

You’ll know when you’ve officially overtaken another vessel when you’ve crossed the 22.5-degree mark abaft their beam. At night time, this means that only the stern light of the vessel will be visible before being overtaken.

To keep things absolutely safe when sailing out on the water, you want to always assume that your sailboat is doing the overtaking if at all it’s uncertain who of the two vessels is doing the overtaking.

This ensures that you’ll be the one guaranteeing the appropriate amount of distance between you and the other vessel is set.

7. Right of Way with Sailing Vessels

Getting used to sailing collision regulations is an important step to becoming a safe and responsible sailor, so being to determine the correct right of way sailboats should take when confronting one another is crucial.

While it’s not always the case that every sailing vessel will be as clear of the rules as you, it’s nonetheless vital information for correctly operating out on the water.

The following sections will help you understand when and how you should either give way or stand on when avoiding the risk of collision.

Head on with Sailing Vessels

Being head-on with another sailboat simply means that both you and another sailboat are heading straight toward each other. Now, you might think this is obvious, but it takes a bit of thinking.

Over time, you’ll be able to recognize right away what you and the other sailboat should do. At the end, which boat gives way and stands on depends on the direction the wind is blowing with respect to both sailboats’ sails.

If you’re both head-on, then the sailboat who’s being pushed by the wind on its port side must give way. What this boils down to is the sailboat on port tack gives way to the sailboat on starboard.

This can be visually determined quite fast by simply checking the mainsail of your sailboat and the other sailboat. The best way to give way in this situation is to turn into the wind.

If both of your sailboats are side by side, thus both having the wind coming from the same side, then the sailboat closest to the wind must give way to the other sailboat.

In sailor speak, the sailing vessel which is windward must give way to the sailing vessel which is leeward. Again, the best way to give way in this situation is to turn into the wind.

Crossing Sailing Vessels

Now, there is a situation where both you and another sailboat are on such a course that you’ll eventually cross one another.

It’s fairly easy to determine who has the right of way when coming head-on with each other, which is not much different when determining the right of way when sailboats cross.

If you and another sailboat are on a course to cross one another, the sailboat that gives way is the one sailing port tack. This is under the assumption that you’re able to determine whether or not the other sailboat’s tack.

As a matter of fact, you may be uncertain of which tack they’re truly on, so it’s best to be safe and just default to being the give-way vessel if this situation comes up and you happen to be on port tack.

If you’re on starboard tack, wait for them to give way unless they’re clearly not going to give way.

It’s important for me to emphasize that being able to understand the rules and regulations for avoiding collisions while sailing out on the water is extremely crucial.

With a bit of study and practice, you’ll have it down in no time. Just make sure that you take responsibility for your crew and ship by giving way if at any time you’re in doubt. This is by far the safest thing to do.

8. Right of Way with Power-Driven Vessels

Whenever you run into the situation of having to decide who has the right of way when you’re in a sailboat and the other vessel is a powerboat, you are generally the stand-on vessel.

This can depend on the size of the power-driven vessel and the local rules, but this is generally the case. The reason for this is that it’s generally easier for a powerboat to take action by either altering its course or powering down a bit to avoid any risk of collision.

However, you might be moving along using your engine as your main source of power which would technically classify your vessel as a power-driven vessel.

Under these circumstances, you definitely want to take into consideration the right-of-way rules that are laid out for powerboats.

Head on with Power-Driven Vessel

A head-on situation between two vessels under power is extremely straightforward: both alter their course to starboard.

Just like being on the road in your car (again, not including present and past Commonwealth countries), you’ll keep your distance from other drivers by staying on the right side of the road.

Crossing Power-Driven Vessel

Deciding on who gives way when going head-on with another power-driven vessel is very easy, but that’s a different story when these two types of boats are about to cross one another.

The rule is that if both vessels are crossing and at risk of a collision, the vessel which has the other on its starboard side must give way. Keep in mind not to cross their path when giving way, but instead slow down and pass them from aft their boat.

Just as a reminder, if you’re in the situation where the give away vessel that you’re potentially at risk of colliding into doesn’t appear to be giving way, it’s your responsibility to notice and act accordingly.

You might technically be the stand-on vessel when the give-way vessel is a cruise ship, a fishing trolly, or a tanker, but be aware that some of these vessels will not give way to a sailboat like yours. As is life.

The 7 Inland Navigation Rules

We just went through a lot of extremely valuable information that should help you out whenever you’re uncertain of the rules and regulations you should be following when out sailing.

Being able to tell which vessels have the right of way and acting accordingly if there’s ever a risk of collision is a huge responsibility that all sailors need to take on.

As an extension to the rules and regulations we already discussed, there are a number of other rules that are more specific to inland navigation.

If you’re sailing in the US, there are specific rules that you must abide by which are called the Inland Navigation Rules.

Here are the seven extra rules that need to be followed in US inland waters:

• Be aware that submarines must be avoided entirely and generally have the right of way. You can see a surfaced submarine if they’re showing a flashing amber light that pulsates three times every three seconds.
• All power-driven vessels that are traveling downstream through narrow channels or fairways on the Great Lakes and all major rivers (e.g., Mississippi River) have the right of way over any vessel traveling upstream.
• The use of VHF communications may replace the communication of sound or visual signals, depending on the circumstances.
• All power-driven vessels crossing a river must give way to any other power-driven vessel that’s traveling up or down the same river.
• Any vessel that’s pushing ahead or towing alongside must indicate that this is occurring by using two towing lights over the stern light.
• Any vessel that’s being pushed ahead or towed alongside must present at the fore end of the vessel sidelights and a yellow flashing light that pulsates at a rate of 50 to 70 flashes per minute while also covering an arc fore the vessel of between 180-225 degrees.
• Any vessel that’s being towed alongside on both sides (port and starboard), a stern light must be shown on the stern of each towing vessel while also having a single set of sidelights as far fore and as far outboard as possible with a single flashing light.

Be Safe out There

We just went through a ton of sailing collision regulations and right-of-way rules that you should keep in mind whenever you head out sailing.

While a lot of the time you just need to memorize a few simple procedures, most of the time you just need to follow a bit of common sense.

The absolute most important point to take away from all of this is that you should always keep your wits about yourself and simply be conscious of your surroundings.

As long as you do that, you can be sure you’ll have plenty of time to assess the situation and act accordingly.

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Safety Tips: How to Navigate when a Sailboat Crosses Paths with a PWC

Alex Morgan

Sailing on the open water can be a thrilling experience, but it’s important to understand and follow the right of way rules to ensure everyone’s safety. This is particularly crucial when encountering personal watercraft (PWC) while sailing. Knowing the appropriate actions to take in different scenarios can help prevent collisions and accidents. Understanding right of way rules is the first step in safely navigating these situations.

Right of way refers to the privilege given to a vessel or boat to continue its intended course without interference from other vessels. It establishes the order in which vessels should yield or give way to each other. It is important to note that right of way is not always determined solely by the vessel type, but also by the specific circumstances of the encounter.

Scenarios and actions in encounters with PWCs include situations such as when the sailboat has wind on the port side and the PWC is approaching on the starboard side, or when the sailboat has wind on the starboard side and the PWC is approaching on the port side. Another scenario is when the sailboat and PWC are head-on or when they are overtaking each other. there are situations where the sailboat is crossing the PWC’s path from behind or from ahead. Each of these scenarios may require different actions to ensure a safe passage.

Taking appropriate actions in these encounters is crucial for maintaining safety. Communication with the PWC operator is important, and there are various methods to do so, such as using sound signals, navigation lights, or hand signals. Ensuring safety and avoiding collisions also involves maintaining vigilance and attention, maintaining a safe distance from other vessels, making predictable movements, and being prepared for emergency maneuvers if necessary.

By understanding right of way rules, taking appropriate actions, and prioritizing safety, sailboat operators can navigate encounters with PWCs effectively while minimizing the risk of accidents and promoting a safer water environment for everyone involved.

Key takeaway:

• Understanding Right of Way Rules is crucial: It is important to know the rules regarding right of way to ensure safe navigation and avoid collisions when a sailboat encounters a PWC.
• Taking appropriate actions based on scenarios is necessary: Different scenarios require different actions, such as understanding wind on different sides, approaching paths, head-on situations, or when overtaking or being overtaken by a PWC.
• Ensuring safety and avoiding collisions through vigilance and preparation: Maintaining a safe distance, making predictable movements, being prepared for emergency maneuvers, and using communication methods like sound signals, navigation lights, and hand signals are all essential for safety.

Understanding Right of Way Rules

When it comes to understanding right of way rules, it is crucial to have a clear comprehension of the guidelines that pertain to various situations. In the specific scenario of a sailboat intersecting paths with a personal watercraft (PWC), the sailboat generally holds the right of way . Sailboats, being classified as vessels under sail, are afforded priority over PWCs.

Ensuring a safe distance is maintained and avoiding potential collisions is of utmost importance. The sailboat should remain on a consistent course and speed, thereby allowing the PWC to maneuver around it and yield.

Comprehending right of way rules is vital for the safety of all parties involved. By familiarizing themselves with these regulations, individuals can effectively prevent accidents and navigate the waters responsibly. It is imperative to always remain attentive, communicate clearly, and show respect for the right of way of other vessels .

What is Right of Way?

Right of Way refers to the privilege one vessel has over another in a navigation situation. It is a set of rules that helps prevent collisions and ensures safety on the water. Understanding right of way is crucial for boaters to navigate effectively and avoid accidents.

The vessel with the right of way has the authority to continue its course and the other vessel must yield or take appropriate action to avoid a collision. The determination of right of way depends on factors such as the position, courses, and types of the vessels.

For example, if a sailboat under sail is about to cross paths with a PWC , the sailboat has the right of way. The PWC operator should respond by slowing down, changing course, or stopping.

It is important for boaters to be aware of right of way rules and follow them diligently to ensure a safe boating experience. By understanding and respecting these rules, boaters can prevent accidents and navigate smoothly on the water.

Who has Right of Way?

• Who has the right of way in sailing? The vessel with the wind on its starboard side .
• When two sailboats are approaching each other with the wind on different sides, who has the right of way? The sailboat with the wind on its starboard side .
• When approaching a powerboat, who has the right of way? The sailboat .
• What must the overtaking sailboat do when overtaking another sailboat from behind? It must keep clear and give way .
• When a sailboat is crossing the path of a powerboat, who has the right of way? The powerboat , and the sailboat must keep clear .
• How should two powerboats pass when approaching each other? They should pass port to port , meaning they should keep to their right side .

Scenarios and Actions

When it comes to sailing, encountering other vessels can sometimes lead to tricky situations. In this section, we’ll explore different scenarios and the actions that should be taken to ensure safe navigation. From the sailboat having wind on the port or starboard side while a PWC approaches, to head-on encounters and overtaking situations, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s dive in and learn how to navigate these scenarios with confidence and caution .

Scenario 1: Sailboat has Wind on Port Side, PWC is Approaching on Starboard Side

When encountering Scenario 1, where a sailboat has wind on the port side and a PWC is approaching on the starboard side, the sailboat must yield the right of way to the PWC. This is because, based on the right of way rules, the vessel on starboard side has precedence over the vessel on port side.

Sailboat: – Wind on Port Side – Yields right of way

PWC: – Approaching on Starboard Side – Has right of way

In this scenario, the sailboat should take appropriate action to avoid a collision. It should steer clear of the PWC by adjusting its course or speed. The PWC should continue on its course without making any abrupt changes. Both vessels must communicate and signal their intentions to ensure a safe passage.

By following these guidelines, sailors and PWC operators can navigate effectively and avoid potential dangers on the water. Always prioritize safety and adhere to the right of way rules to prevent accidents and maintain a harmonious marine environment.

Scenario 2: Sailboat has Wind on Starboard Side, PWC is Approaching on Port Side

– The sailboat , with the right of way, must maintain its course and speed. The sailboat should be alert for the approaching PWC on the port side and be prepared to take evasive action if needed.

– In order to alert the PWC of its presence and intentions, the sailboat can use sound signals, such as a short blast.

– If the PWC does not yield or change course, the sailboat should consider slowing down or altering its course to avoid a collision with the approaching PWC on the port side.

– If necessary, the sailboat should communicate with the PWC operator using hand signals to ensure mutual understanding.

– The sailboat should continue to monitor the movements of the PWC and be ready to make further adjustments in order to avoid a collision with the approaching PWC on the port side.

– In the event that the PWC persists in approaching on a collision course, the sailboat may need to execute emergency maneuvers, such as changing direction or reducing speed, to prevent a collision with the PWC that is approaching on the port side.

Scenario 3: Sailboat is Head-on with PWC

In scenario 3, when a sailboat is head-on with a PWC, it is important for the sailboat to take necessary action to avoid a collision. As per the right of way rules, the sailboat has the right of way in this situation. Therefore, the sailboat should continue on its course and maintain its speed, while closely observing the movements of the PWC.

To ensure safety and prevent a collision, effective communication between the sailboat and the PWC operator is crucial. This can be done through hand signals or sound signals if required. It is important to clearly express intentions in order to coordinate and prevent any misunderstandings.

Vigilance and attentiveness play a vital role in this particular scenario. The sailboat operator should remain focused and be ready to make necessary maneuvers to avoid a collision. It is advisable to maintain a safe distance from the PWC and make movements that are predictable.

By adhering to these guidelines and taking appropriate actions, the sailboat can safely navigate during scenario 3 when encountering a PWC.

Scenario 4: Sailboat and PWC are Overtaking Each Other

In a scenario where a sailboat and a PWC are overtaking each other, it is crucial to follow right of way rules for safety and to avoid collisions.

The sailboat, being overtaken, should maintain its course and speed.

The PWC, being the overtaking vessel, should pass the sailboat at a safe distance and keep clear.

The sailboat should use hand signals to indicate its turning direction to the PWC.

The PWC should carefully observe the sailboat and adjust its speed and course to avoid collision.

Remember, when overtaking another vessel, maintain a safe distance and communicate intentions clearly to prevent misunderstandings or accidents.

Stay vigilant and be prepared to take necessary actions for everyone’s safety on the water.

Scenario 5: Sailboat is Crossing PWC’s Path from Behind

When a sailboat is crossing a PWC’s path from behind, it is important to follow these steps:

1. Assess the situation: Determine the speed and direction of both the sailboat and the PWC to accurately assess the potential collision risk.

2. Communicate: Use hand signals or sound signals to effectively communicate your presence and intentions to the PWC operator.

3. Maintain a safe distance: It is crucial to stay at a reasonable distance from the PWC in order to avoid sudden maneuvers that could lead to a collision.

4. Monitor the PWC’s actions: Pay close attention to any changes in the PWC’s course or speed.

5. Adjust your own course: If necessary, make slight course adjustments to pass safely behind the PWC.

Pro-tip: Always prioritize safety and remain aware of your surroundings when crossing paths with a PWC from behind. Utilize clear communication and employ defensive sailing techniques to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth and secure crossing.

Scenario 6: Sailboat is Crossing PWC’s Path from Ahead

When a sailboat is crossing a PWC’s path from ahead, the sailboat has the right of way. The sailboat should maintain its course and speed, while the PWC should take appropriate action to avoid a collision.

In this situation, the sailboat has the advantage of being under sail, which makes it less maneuverable than the PWC. The PWC operator should stay vigilant and assess the situation to decide how to avoid crossing paths with the sailboat.

The PWC operator can take the following actions to ensure safety:

• Slow down or alter course: The PWC operator should reduce speed and change direction to avoid the sailboat’s path. This will create a safe distance between the two vessels.
• Communicate with the sailboat: Using hand signals or sound signals, the PWC operator can indicate their intentions to the sailboat. Clear communication helps both parties navigate the situation smoothly.
• Maintain a safe distance: The PWC operator must keep a safe distance from the sailboat. This allows both vessels to maneuver without risking a collision.

By following these guidelines, the sailboat and PWC can safely navigate the scenario of the sailboat crossing the PWC’s path from ahead.

Taking Appropriate Actions

– Taking appropriate actions is crucial when assessing the situation. Observe the trajectory and speed of both the sailboat and the personal watercraft (PWC) to determine the risk of collision.

– Use a loud and clear voice to communicate with the PWC operator about your presence and intentions, taking appropriate actions to ensure your message is heard.

– Alter the sailboat’s course to avoid the PWC, considering the wind direction and current. This is an example of taking appropriate actions to prevent a potential collision.

– Keep a safe distance between the sailboat and the PWC, taking appropriate actions to prevent accidents.

– Check the navigation rules to determine who has the right of way and act accordingly, taking appropriate actions based on this information.

– Continuously monitor the movements of the PWC to ensure its actions do not threaten the sailboat. Taking appropriate actions in response to any potential dangers.

– Slow down the sailboat if the PWC is approaching too closely or if there is a risk of collision. This is an example of taking appropriate actions to reduce the chances of an accident.

– Change course or come to a stop if the PWC continues on a collision path and does not respond, taking appropriate actions to avoid a collision.

– Stay calm and alert throughout the encounter to make informed decisions, taking appropriate actions based on the changing circumstances.

By following these steps and taking appropriate actions, you can ensure the safety of both the sailboat and the PWC, avoiding accidents or collisions.

How to Communicate with the PWC Operator?

When learning how to communicate effectively with a PWC operator while sailing, there are several important steps to follow. It is essential to use clear hand gestures to indicate your intentions, such as turning, stopping, or changing direction . Making eye contact with the PWC operator is crucial to ensure they understand your intentions.

If necessary, a whistle or horn can be used to get the attention of the PWC operator. In cases where gestures are not sufficient, a VHF radio can be utilized for verbal communication. It is important to speak clearly and concisely when using the radio, stating your intentions and requesting specific actions from the PWC operator.

In the event that the PWC operator does not respond or comply with your instructions, it is necessary to take evasive action to avoid any potential collisions. Remember, effective communication between the sailboat and the PWC operator is vital for the safety of everyone involved. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe sailing experience.

Using Sound Signals

Using sound signals is crucial for communication while sailing to ensure safety and prevent collisions. It is important to remember the following key points regarding sound signals:

1. Emitting one short blast indicates that a sailboat is turning right.

2. Emitting two short blasts indicates that a sailboat is turning left.

3. Emitting three short blasts indicates that a sailboat is reversing.

4. Emitting one prolonged blast indicates that a sailboat has limited visibility.

5. Emitting five or more short, rapid blasts serves as an emergency signal for attention and distress.

It is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the appropriate sound signals before embarking on a sailing voyage. Always remain attentive and responsive to sound signals from other vessels to avoid any accidents.

Using Navigation Lights

When sailing, using navigation lights is essential to ensure safety and avoid collisions. Here are some important points to consider:

– Understand the purpose : Navigation lights indicate the type of vessel, its position, and direction of movement. They help other vessels determine the right of way.

– Familiarize yourself with the lights : Different vessels have specific requirements for using navigation lights. Learn the specific lighting configurations for sailboats and personal watercraft (PWC) to comply with regulations.

– Ensure proper functioning : Regularly check the navigation lights for working order. Replace any burnt out or damaged bulbs. It is crucial that the lights are visible and easily identified by other vessels.

– Use navigation lights during appropriate times : Navigation lights should be used from sunset to sunrise and during restricted visibility conditions like fog or heavy rain. This enhances visibility and allows other vessels to accurately gauge your position and movements.

– Follow right of way rules: When encountering another vessel, use the appropriate navigation lights to indicate your intentions. Lighting configurations may vary depending on whether you have the right of way or need to yield to the other vessel.

– Communicate effectively : Proper use of navigation lights helps communicate your intentions to other vessels. For example, displaying the appropriate lights when overtaking or crossing paths with another vessel signals your actions and prevents misunderstandings.

By following these guidelines and using navigation lights effectively, you can ensure a safe and smooth sailing experience.

Using Hand Signals

When using hand signals while sailing, it is important to incorporate clear and effective communication with a Personal Watercraft (PWC). Here are the steps to effectively use hand signals:

– To indicate a change in course or direction, extend your arm and point in the desired direction.

– If you want to maintain your current course, hold your arm straight out to the side.

– To stop or come to a complete halt, raise your arm straight up in the air.

– If you need to turn or change course to the opposite side, extend your arm straight out to the side and then bring it across your body to the opposite side.

– To slow down or decrease your speed, lower your arm and repeatedly move it up and down in a waving motion.

By incorporating hand signals, you can ensure clear communication with the PWC operator, as they can easily see and understand the gestures. It is important to practice and familiarize yourself with these hand signals to ensure a safe and successful sailing experience.

Ensuring Safety and Avoiding Collisions

When it comes to ensuring safety and avoiding collisions on the water, being alert and proactive is key. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of vigilance and attention , maintaining a safe distance , making predictable movements , and being prepared for emergency maneuvers . By understanding and applying these principles, we can navigate the waters with confidence and minimize the risk of accidents. Let’s dive in and discover how to sail, kayak, or cruise with safety as our top priority.

Importance of Vigilance and Attention

The importance of vigilance and attention in sailing cannot be overstated. It is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing collisions on the water. Here are a few key reasons for the importance of vigilance and attention in sailing:

1. Anticipate and react to changing conditions: The importance of vigilance and attention in sailing lies in the ability to be aware of one’s surroundings and anticipate potential hazards or changes. This enables sailors to make timely and appropriate adjustments to their course or speed.

2. Identify and avoid collisions: Paying attention to other vessels and objects on the water helps sailors identify potential collision risks. By prioritizing vigilance and attention, sailors are able to take necessary actions to avoid dangerous situations.

3. Maintain safe distance: The importance of vigilance and attention in sailing ensures that sailors are aware of the distance between their own vessel and others nearby. This heightened awareness helps maintain a safe distance, preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of all parties involved.

4. React to unexpected situations: Sailing can present unexpected situations. By being attentive, sailors are able to react promptly and effectively, mitigating risks and avoiding accidents.

5. Enhance overall situational awareness : The importance of vigilance and attention in sailing provides sailors with a comprehensive understanding of their surroundings, including the presence of other vessels, obstacles, and changing weather conditions. This heightened situational awareness helps sailors make informed decisions for safe navigation.

By prioritizing the importance of vigilance and attention, sailors can significantly reduce the chances of accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience for everyone involved.

Maintaining Safe Distance

Maintaining a safe distance is crucial for sailing safety. When out on the water, it is important to assess the other vessel’s speed and size. Understanding its capabilities and limitations will help you determine the appropriate distance to keep.

It is essential to consider wind and current conditions as these factors can affect maneuverability. By keeping a safe distance, you can account for any changes in direction or speed that may occur.

It is important to stay aware of the navigation channel, especially in crowded areas. Maintaining a safe distance will help you avoid collisions or interference with other boats. In order to determine the appropriate distance from other vessels, it is also important to follow right of way rules and understand who has priority in different scenarios.

Knowing your boat’s stopping distance is another important aspect of maintaining a safe distance. Take into consideration your boat’s maneuverability and stopping time when deciding how far away to stay from other vessels. A safe distance will allow for quick reactions and hazard avoidance.

Communication with other boat operators is key. Use signals or radio communication to convey your intentions and ensure clear communication. By staying vigilant and attentive, you can be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the movements of other vessels. Constantly adjusting your distance will help you maintain safety on the water.

By following these guidelines and maintaining a safe distance, the risk of collisions can be minimized, leading to a safer sailing experience.

Making Predictable Movements

Making predictable movements is essential for safe sailing and collision avoidance. To ensure this, follow these steps:

1. Take a careful look at the water for any potential hazards, such as other boats or obstacles.

2. Maintain a consistent and steady course, avoiding sudden changes in direction or speed.

3. Use clear and concise communication methods, like hand signals or sound signals, to indicate your movements to other sailors.

4. Keep an eye on the wind direction and adjust sails accordingly to maintain a steady and predictable course.

5. Always maintain a safe distance from other boats, ensuring proper clearance to prevent any collisions.

6. Adhere to right-of-way rules and yield to other boats when necessary, including giving way to boats on your starboard side and avoiding crossing paths with other boats whenever possible.

7. Stay alert and vigilant, continuously scanning your surroundings for any changes in the environment or incoming boats.

8. Be well-prepared for emergencies by familiarizing yourself with proper techniques and keeping necessary equipment readily available.

By making predictable movements, you contribute to a safer sailing experience for both yourself and others on the water.

Being Prepared for Emergency Maneuvers

To ensure safety for yourself and others aboard the sailboat, it is crucial to be prepared for emergency maneuvers . By following these steps, you can be well-equipped for any sailing emergency that may arise:

– Maintain constant vigilance to spot potential hazards and be proactive in avoiding them.

– Keep a safe distance from other vessels, allowing for quick maneuvering if necessary.

– Make predictable movements and always signal your intentions to communicate effectively with others.

– Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures such as quick turns and sudden stops, practicing them in different conditions to build proficiency.

– Understand the capabilities and limitations of your sailboat to make informed decisions during emergency situations.

– Maintain open and effective communication with your crew or passengers to ensure a coordinated response during emergencies.

– Consider taking a course on emergency maneuvers to further enhance your skills and knowledge.

– Regularly inspect and maintain your sailboat and equipment to ensure they are in good working condition.

– Create an emergency action plan for different situations, which includes clear steps to follow in case of emergencies.

By incorporating these steps into your sailing routine and consistently practicing them, you will be well-prepared for emergency maneuvers and ensure the safety of everyone on board the sailboat.

A Sailboat Under Sail Is About To Cross Paths With A Pwc What Action Should Be Taken:

• ✅ In terms of right of way, the sailboat is considered the “stand-on” vessel while the PWC (personal watercraft) is the “give-way” craft. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ The sailboat is usually more difficult to maneuver due to its larger size. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ This means that the PWC always has to yield and move out of the path of the sailboat when they are about to cross paths. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ In these situations, the sailboat should maintain its course and speed. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ There may be instances when the PWC does not yield and change course, leading to a potential collision. (Source: Our Team)

Frequently Asked Questions

Faq 1: what action should be taken when a sailboat under sail is about to cross paths with a personal watercraft.

According to the right of way rules, the sailboat is considered the “stand-on” vessel and the personal watercraft is the “give-way” craft. The personal watercraft should yield and move out of the path of the sailboat.

FAQ 2: What should the sailboat do when a personal watercraft does not yield and change course?

If the personal watercraft does not yield and a potential collision is imminent, the sailboat should sound five short blasts of the horn as a warning signal. This alerts the personal watercraft driver that the sailboat is changing its position to the starboard (right) side.

FAQ 3: Which side should both vessels pass each other on if a collision is imminent?

If the personal watercraft has not moved and a collision is imminent, both vessels should pass each other on the port (left) side.

FAQ 4: What rules should personal watercraft encounters with other personal watercrafts follow?

In encounters between personal watercrafts, they should follow the same navigation rules as motorboats and other power-driven vessels. The vessel on the operator’s left side should give way, while the vessel on the operator’s right side has the right of way.

FAQ 5: Why are collisions more dangerous for personal watercraft occupants compared to other boats?

PWCs have no enclosures or hulls to protect the operator and passengers from the impact of a collision, making them more likely to result in death. Most PWC fatalities are caused by collisions rather than drowning.

FAQ 6: How can I find the original content from Team Origin’s consolidated websites on DesperateSailors.com?

All the original content from TeamOrigin.com and TeamOriginImages.com has been migrated to DesperateSailors.com. Visitors can find the content along with additional exciting content and resources on DesperateSailors.com. If you have trouble finding certain pages or content, you can contact DesperateSailors.com for assistance.

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Vessel crossing situations - Boating right of way rules Collision regulations

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• Vessel crossing situations - Boating right of way rules

As the operator of a power-driven vessel, what should you do if you meet another power-driven vessel?

When two power driven boats are approaching at right angles or nearly so, and risk of collision exists,  the boat on the right is the stand-on vessel, has the right of way and must hold its course and speed.  The other boat, the  give-way vessel, shall maneuver to keep clear of the stand-on vessel and shall pass it by its stern.  If necessary, slow, stop or reverse until the stand-on vessel is clear.

A powerboat is about to cross paths with a sailboat under sail. What should the powerboat do?

In this situation, the power-driven vessel should alter course to pass behind the sailing vessel. When approaching a non-powered craft, such as a sailboat or canoe, you are the give-way craft and do not have the right-of-way. You must take early and substantial action to keep clear of non-powered craft.   

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How to Avoid Colliding with Another Boat, Causing Injury, Wrecking Your Boat, and Otherwise Ruining Your Weekend

11th aug 2023 by samantha wilson.

Avoiding a collision when boating is among the most important responsibilities as captain of your vessel. Whether you run into another boat, hit the dock hard, run over a floating object, or run up on the rocks, a collision can be deadly. The US Coast Guard reported that of the 4,040 accidents that involved 636 deaths and 2,222 injuries in the United States in 2022: “Collisions…were the most frequent first event in accidents, attributing to 55% of accidents, 21% of deaths, and 53% of injuries.”

So what should you do to avoid colliding with another boat? Whether you’re driving a personal watercraft such as Jet Ski, a sailboat, or a cabin cruiser, the responsibility is on you as captain to ensure you take all appropriate action to avoid a collision. Taking a boating safety course is among the most valuable preparations you can undertake, and in many states in the US these are now required to get your boating license. Also important is to simply proceed with caution and develop good habits when operating a boat. 

According to the US Coast Guard, the five main causes of boating accidents were due to operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure. So let’s consider these top 5 tips for avoiding boating collisions to help keep you safe on the water. 

5 Tips for Avoiding Boating Collisions

1. know the rules of marine navigation.

Knowing the navigational rules is key to making the right decisions and avoiding collisions when boating. The Navigation Rules are published by the U. S. Government Printing Office and are available in your local boating supply store, or you can download a full PDF of the Navigation Rules here . (You should ensure your boat—whatever the size—has a copy on board and that you have studied the rules; it is mandatory that a copy be kept aboard all vessels over 39.4 feet in length.) The Navigation Rules cover steering rules, sound-signaling equipment and requirements, and a section on navigation lights. In the United States, they also distinguish between Inland Waters and bodies of water subject to the international navigation rules. Some of most important rules to know include:

• Paddle-powered boats and sailing vessels have, in most instances, right of way over powered vessels as they are less maneuverable. There are exceptions, however, including in an overtaking situation or when another vessel is unable to maneuver as it usually would. Essentially, the most maneuverable boat gives way.  
• If you are overtaking another vessel, even if you are under sail, it is your responsibility to keep well clear of that vessel.
• When two boats under sail meet, the boat on a starboard tack has the right of way. When two sailboats are on the same tack, the leeward boat has the right of way over the windward boat. Check out our Top 6 Sailing Safety Tips for more information. 
• When crossing, the boat approaching from starboard (right) has the right of way. It is your responsibility to slow down or take evasive action if you are on a collision course with that vessel. 
• If you are approaching another vessel head-on, both boats must pass on the starboard side, allowing plenty of safe passing space. 
• Keep clear of shipping lanes
• If you are approaching a vessel and you are not certain what its intentions are, slow down and take clear evasive action so that the other can understand what you are doing.

Sound Signals to Know to Avoid a Collision

• One blast: announces “I intend to pass you on my left (port) side”
• Two blasts: announces “I intend to pass you on my right (starboard) side”
• Three short blasts: signals “I am operating astern propulsion”
• One long blast: during times of limited visibility this is used at intervals of not more than two minutes and is the signal used by power-driven vessels
• One prolonged blast plus two short blasts: during times of limited visibility this is used at intervals of not more than two minutes and is the signal used by sailing vessels
• Five (or more) short blasts: signals immediate danger or that you do not understand another boat’s intentions, or that you disagree with what they’re doing and believe it to be unsafe

2. Keep to an appropriate and safe speed

Unlike on the roads, where speed limits are set in stone, there are fewer fixed speed limits on the water. That isn’t to say that there aren’t speed restriction areas, and it’s vital to adhere to any you see. When it comes to operating your boat at a safe speed, the most important point to remember is that any vessel should be operated at a speed that allows sufficient time and distance to take necessary action to avoid an accident or collision. You should:

• Always obey all traffic signs and signals, and don’t exceed any speed-limit restrictions
• When passing another vessel, ensure you keep a safe distance and that they can see you
• Never race another boat
• Never go above the manufacturer’s recommended speed limit for your vessel 
• You and any passengers on board should always wear a life jacket
• Use a kill cord if your boat has one
• Don’t consume alcohol when operating any boat
• Don’t use a cell phone or text while operating your boat so you can remain focused at all times

Many factors play a role in determining an appropriate speed limit, including;

• The visibility
• The sea conditions
• The amount of boat traffic
• The type of boat you’re driving
• The water depth
• The passengers on board

For more information about safe boating speeds, see our guide to Boat Speed Limits: How Fast Should You Be Going?

3. Always maintain a watch or have a designated lookout

This is vital to ensuring you avoid a collision, and something that many boaters overlook. Before setting off you need to designate a lookout, who will keep an eye on the water and inform you, as captain, of any boats in the vicinity. You can do this yourself when operating a smaller boat, but on a larger vessel it’s a good idea to have some help. Ask them to look out for other boats, as well as any hazards in the water. You can have a rotation of lookouts if you’re going on a longer journey, but make it clear who is on duty and the importance of the role.

4. Stay focused and in control of your vessel

You’re the captain and it’s your responsibility to anyone on board your boat, as well as all other boats on the water, that you remain alert and in control of the vessel at all times. Avoid boating when you’re tired, stressed, or distracted, and never consume alcohol when in charge of a vessel. While it’s tempting to crack open a few beers at lunchtime, you’ll be cruising back to the slip or marina under the influence. According to the US Coast Guard, use of alcohol is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 16% of deaths. For more important tips on How to Keep Your Family Safe on Board , check out our in depth guide. 

5. Research your cruising grounds and the weather before heading out

Do your homework before heading out for a day on the water. You need to know where you’re going and what the weather conditions may be, so you can be prepared for the unexpected. For example, if a squall appears ahead of you, where is the nearest harbor or how quickly can you get to your destination? Keep your VHF radio on when underway so that you can be alerted to any hazards ahead. 

Check out our guide to Essential Boating Safety Tips for more ways to keep your family safe at sea.  

What to Do If Your Boat is in a Collision?

It’s a scenario that no one ever wants to be in, but if the worst happens and you’re involved in a collision on the water, it’s helpful to know what to do, assuming you are still in the boat: 

• Stop the engine immediately.
• Ensure all passengers on board are wearing life jackets in case the boat starts to sink or they must abandon ship.
• Check to see if anyone on board is injured and begin first aid to the best of your ability. Also ask the passengers of the other boat if they are injured. Contact emergency services by whichever means you have if someone is seriously injured. It may be a mobile phone, VHF marine radio, or satellite phone, and/or visual signals such as flares. Give a detailed description of your location, your boat, and who is onboard. 
• Inspect your boat as best as you can to check for leaking or flooding. If you suspect that water is getting into your boat switch on the bilge pumps (if present), try to fix the leak, and/or use manual bilge pumps or bailers to slow down the water ingress. 
• Exchange name, address, and boat identification with any other boat involved in the collision, and if possible take photographs. These are valuable when making an insurance claim (see our Guide to Marine Insurance for more information on the best policy to have). 

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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What action does a sailboat take on a collision course with a fishing boat?

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Is a sailboat with engines running a Stand-on boat?

When there is a danger of collision, the "stand-on" vessel is the one that must maintain its course while the other must take avoiding action. Sailboats usually are the stand-on vessel when meeting a power-driven vessel, even if that vessel is another sailboat (if its engine is powering the boat, and regardless of whether its sails are raised or not). There are exceptions: if the power-driven vessel is "working," such as a fishing boat dragging nets, or the power-driven vessel is confined to a narrow channel due to its draft, then the sailboat must stay out of the way, by altering course if necessary. If a collision is imminent and the other vessel shows no signs of altering course, then the sailboat should take whatever course is necessary to avoid it.

A sailboat under sail is about to cross paths with a PWC. What action should be taken?

A collision could occur when the distance decreases and bearing between two vessels do what?

A collision could occur when the distance between two vessels decreases and the bearing remains constant. This indicates that the vessels are on a collision course. Vigilance and timely action to change course or speed are critical to avoid a collision.

When does a sailboat have the right of way?

When using Sail only and in a collision course with a power boat, unless that powerboat is engaged in a number of activities. These include but are not limited to both dredging and downrigging.

A sailboat is approaching a PWC head-on What should the sailboat do?

Maintain present course and speed.

Who starred in the movie Collision Course?

In the movie Collision Course, which is a action-comedy movie, it starred Jay Leno as the police officer and main character, and his buddy Pat Morita who worked together to steal back a turbocharger.

What action should be taken when a sailboat under sail and a power-driven vessel are about to cross paths?

The power-driven vessel should change course and speed.

When was Collision Course - novel - created?

Collision Course - novel - was created in 1961.

Boat collision occurs when bearing does what?

A boat collision occurs when the bearing between two boats remains constant over time, indicating that they are on a collision course. This is a dangerous situation that requires immediate evasive action to avoid a potential impact.

A collision could occur when the distance decrease and bearing between 2 vessels does what?

When the distance between two vessels decreases and their relative bearing remains constant, it indicates that the vessels are on a potential collision course. This situation requires immediate action to avoid a collision, such as altering course or speed. Monitoring the vessels closely and communicating with the other vessel can help prevent a collision.

What is the duration of Collision Course film?

The duration of Collision Course - film - is 1.67 hours.

When was Collision Course - film - created?

Collision Course - film - was created in 1989-04.

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Greek coast guard and a Turkish fishing boat collide in the north Aegean. Officials say it’s minor

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, from left, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg and Kier Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, speak before Working Session III of the NATO Summit in Washington, Thursday, July 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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A Greek coast guard vessel was involved in a minor collision with a Turkish fishing boat in Greek waters off a tiny Aegean Sea islet rock on Thursday, officials in Athens said.

A coast guard statement said nobody was injured in the incident off Greece’s Zourafa in the northeastern Aegean, and neither vessel appeared to have suffered severe damage.

The statement said the coast guard vessel was sent to chase away the Turkish boat that was fishing inside Greek waters. It said the collision was caused by the Turkish captain’s “abrupt change in course.”

Zourafa is surrounded by rich fishing grounds, which often leads to tension between Greek and Turkish fishing crews.

The two neighbors, NATO allies and historic regional rivals are at odds over issues including Aegean Sea boundaries and offshore exploitation rights. The latter led to a surge in military tensions four years ago.

Relations have improved since, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Wednesday on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Washington.

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